I WRITE in response to Ms Margaret Hughes' letter (Times, November 14) where she complains, with justification, regarding the noisy traffic during the Act of Remembrance in Bedford Square, but charges the Tavistock Town Council with lacking respect; this is a grossly unfair accusation.

I can assure her that councillors, including myself, are upset by its occurrence every year — and, Ms Hughes, we have immense respect. Indeed, there would be few councillors — similar to the great majority of the citizens of this valiant nation of ours — who have not lost a family member to war.

Furthermore, I would point out to Ms Hughes that it is the town council who maintain the war memorial on behalf of the people of Tavistock.

On the day, however, the excellent organisation of the services, parades and acts of remembrance are in the very capable and experienced hands of the Royal British Legion — the town council attend as their guests.

As to traffic matters, those are the responsibility of the police and the Devon County Council; whether or not the on-going complaints of people regarding the traffic disturbance at this poignant time will bring about a much needed change, remains to be seen — one hopes it will.

Ted Sherrell

Tavistock town councillor