I HAVE just read the report in the Times of the outpourings of the town council members over the refusal of the county council to allow German visitors to park their cars in the square.

The town council appears to be exceptionally vociferous in its comments, ie, the report is 'offensive', 'ridiculous' and 'a snub to the visitors'. They propose to ask Devon County Council to 'revisit the matter'.

I did not hear such feelings expressed when West Devon Borough Council refused permission for the street lamps in the square to be used to hang vertical advertising banners to replace these currently hung from the Court Gate to the town hall.

It was reported that the council had been told that West Devon had an 'engineer's report' stating that the columns were unsuitable for such a use.

No-one on the town council, it appears, thought to question this and has never asked for a copy of the report.

A simple letter to the manufacturers would clarify whether or not they are suitable.

The current proposal to make more of the pedestrian area that is our very attractive square by creating a focal point using a marquee is admirable and surely part of the enhancement scheme is to tidy up such items as sporadic banners which appear from time to time advertising what the town has to offer. They cannot simply be banned.

Could I suggest if, instead of upsetting relations with the county council over such a trifling matter as a few German visitors who are only having lunch in Tavistock, that the town council take on West Devon, starting with obtaining the engineer's report for our scrutiny, and concentrate on some joined up thinking in the light of the threats to the centre of the town emanating from the various development proposals on the perimeters.

I would suggest these friends, if they are from Germany, will be well aware of rules and regulations and to suggest that they would be snubbed by having to park their cars 25 metres to the right is a bit over the top.

If they are our twinned town on a visit to us why are they not staying in our own quality hotels?

E T Anstead

Priory Close, Whitchurch

WITH regards to the furore over the use of Bedford Square for temporary parking for the Visitors from Celle.

The fact that a use for that useless slab of concrete has been refused by county, (who don't live here of course), is a disgrace. I suggest the town council fight that decision to the bitter end.

Leslie F Martindale

34 Plymouth Road

Tavistock