DURING recent weeks, it has come to my attention and no doubt a few others, while driving regularly around Drake's roundabout, that the statue and its granite base have fallen into a state of disrepair. As somebody who has spent the vast majority of their life in Tavistock, and as an individual inspired by Sir Francis Drake's life and achievements, the visible neglect and let's not forget poor coating of the bronze figure, perhaps reflects on the town council's priority of ensuring extra Christmas lighting, as well as putting on the waste of money event otherwise known as Goose Fair. Maybe the modern day penchant for political correctness and castigation of historical criminals, has indeed left Drake with a much lower place on the British heroes list. Nevertheless, having seen the magnificent painting of the Golden Hind disappear from Taylor Square some years ago, I severely hope the Duke of Bedford's gift to the people of Tavistock isn't going to suffer the same fate.  P M R Jenkins Tavistock