I COMPLETELY share Nigel Eadie's irritation at the outline scheme to build more superstores and to tinker with the pannier market precinct (Times, February 24).

Tavistock is blessed with a number of unique, boutique-style niche retailers that attract people from a wide area. The market area is not just an unusual and picturesque shopping environment but a part of the town's historic and cultural heritage. Why would anyone think it needs a glass-covered roof? Who would it benefit, and at what detriment to the ambience of the market? Who is going to clean and maintain it?

We should also be very cautious about the size of any new stores that are built. Chain stores create new jobs at the expense of many more existing jobs. Big-name shops siphon profits out of Devon and into corporate funds, putting local retailers, producers and suppliers out of business.

Quite simply, more edge of town retail will kill the town centre and with it much of our local day-tripper tourism, in turn damaging cafés, pubs and restaurants.

To add insult to injury, the putative developer is trotting out all the usual 'coulds', 'mights' and 'possiblys' about relocating the hospital. Whatever space West Devon Borough Council might pencil in for it on their plans, the funding of it is nothing to do with them. With the national debt at over a trillion pounds and the NHS trimming costs wherever it can, we are unlikely to get a new hospital within the lifespan of the core strategy.

This is of course just one developer and one proposal of many — most of which will probably be detrimental to Tavistock as a place to live, to work, to do business and to visit.

I know that many people are very disenchanted with politics at the moment, but it is really important to get out and vote in the council elections in May. Without wanting to sound overly dramatic, the future of this town is at stake and those of us who care about it need to be better at making ourselves heard.

Ann Keelan

Whitchurch Road

Tavistock

I WAS so incensed when I read in the Times about the 'rebirth' of the unwelcome out of town retail developement on the outskirts of Tavistock, I felt I had to write and express my disgust. 

I'm sure most of us who opposed Sainsbury's planning application saw this one coming. These developers never give up once they set their sights on a money making project even though the locals make it perfectly clear that their money making machine would ruin the hardworking traders of the town.  Their greed and lack of empathy would turn our lovely market town into yet another rundown, mundane town like so many other spoilt towns.

But of course, the developers, Mercian Developments, insist they are doing it for our own good, how very generous of them! They try to perusade us by promising jobs, low paid no doubt, a healthcare provider, a low budget hotel and a food retailer.

Well it is up to the local people of Tavistock and district to make their views known to their local councillors and planners. It would appear, however, that some of our councillors are already falling for the golden talk of Mr Towers the managing director of Mercian. He is apparently offering to 'do up' the pannier market. How sweet of him. No doubt we would end up with a glass carbuncle that he would probably want to call 'The Arndale Centre' and refer to it as a 'Mall'. 

If our councillors go against the wishes of the people of Tavistock then please remember to sort it out at the ballot box, vote them out of power.

And a strong word of warning.  Mercian Developements have made the following statement, refering to their reputation: 'We can currently boast that we have ultimately been successful with every planning application that has been submitted'.  Sounds like a difficult fight ahead.

Paul Phillips

Sampford Spiney

WITH reference to your front page article regarding the proposed planning application for a supermarket.

Surely Tavistock is very well provided for with supermarkets, there being two in the town, one of which has a car park.

On the Plymouth road there is an excellent Morrison's which supplies budget and more upmarket produce. The only feature which is required is a larger car park. There is also Lidl which provides quick, budget good quality produce.

If Mercian want to give Tavistock something then let them go ahead with their other suggestions, especially the relocation of the hospital which is dearly needed.

Hopefully, the planners will not be swayed by the offer of 'developing' the pannier market. This would ruin one of Tavistock's prime assets. As for a decking area with cafe seating, surely there are more than enough café outlets in the town?

Keep Tavistock town as it is.

S McQueen

Bere Alston