TAVISTOCK'S popular traffic warden retired at the end of last week, writes Alan Gregory.
Carol Atkinson, well-known for her 'community spirit', has spent the last 11 years of her career in Tavistock, doling out tickets only when absolutely necessary and helping out whenever she could.
Carol is retiring to join her husband in escaping the inclement winter — and spring — weather of West Devon. He is leaving the Royal Marines after 34 years and the couple are planning to run camping sites during the summer, spending the off-season in Florida, where she has an ambition to write a book.
'It's just for the weather really — I've served time with winters and I don't want any more,' said Carol.
But the break will not be that easy. Carol said she has seen the children of Tavistock grow up and she would miss the people.
And perhaps they will miss her too.
'I'm a motorist myself and I know all about the difficulties, so I was ever-mindful of that and tried to give consideration. I always tried to be fair and treat people as I would like to be treated myself,' she said. 'It made the job easier and I've managed, largely, to avoid confrontation and abuse.
'Even if people were a bit put out, I do think all those who got tickets will go home and realise that they did deserve them.'
Carol lost a finger several years ago while on duty when she tried to shepherd a panic-stricken dog away from dangerous and heavy traffic in Brook Street.
There is nobody to take over from Carol just yet. In the interim, special constables and local police will fill in.
'Unfortunately, they are a little bit stricter than me,' she said.
Carol has worked part-time for the last couple of years, but West Devon area commander Chief Inspector Chris Amos said he was given the go ahead this week to employ a full-time warden, and was currently advertising to fill the post.
'It's good news for West Devon — bad news for people who abuse the rules,' he said.