THE self-appointed steering group for the Okehampton Market Town Initiative has now revealed its unrepresentative nature (Okehampton Times, August 3). We know who is in the driving seat as over 50 per cent of the members are responsible for, or in some way paid by, councils who have contrived the current state of Okehampton.
How are suffering farmers, local tourism, the young farmers' club, opponents to current planning decisions and enhancements, the 130 local voluntary groups, and the many churches in the area to be listened to and heeded?
The loss of the Okehampton and District Civic Society paralleled a discernible decline in the quality of life in the town. If revived it could speak again and generate a choice of consultation and planning models for local people to express their views.
Civic society members could draw on local community-building experience and management skills that seem sadly lacking at present and deliver a vibrant, representative and independent vision.
The Rev Barrie Duke
Goldburn Bungalow
Inwardleigh