WHAT sort of people have we become in Okehampton?
Since the beginning of the year we have seen one of our local GPs plunge himself into icy water to raise funds for our new hospital (Thank you, Dr Nielson), and the withdrawal of services for the elderly. Whilst our planners, what do they offer? Sculpture!
A word of advice for our planners, if I may. Instead of grandiose schemes to enhance us, why not concentrate on tidying up some of our existing assets. I refer to the (potentially) very attractive little park at the junction of George Street and St James's Street.
This amenity, if our planners do not know (and I suspect few of them live locally), is used extensively by the elderly who like to enjoy the sun on the south-facing benches provided. Also by shoppers who want to take the weight off their feet in this little oasis of greenery.
So why not replace the 100-year-old stone wall that was recently removed for no apparent reason? And why not reinstate the iron railings that topped this wall until they were removed for munitions in world war two? And why not plant some climbing roses up the wall of the public lavatory — to keep graffiti boys at bay!
Then we would have a Victorian park to augment our Victorian arcade, something to be proud of, at no great cost, certainly cheaper than the proposed sculpture.
And it would benefit the elderly; let them know that some of us care.
Richard G Williamson
Cranmere, Castle Road
Okehampton