I WOULD like to congratulate everyone who has made the town of Okehampton what it is today, but I honestly cannot.

Why has it not occurred to anyone that the work at the rear of St James' Chapel makes it a hazardous no-go area for older people?

The inevitable wide cracks occurring between the bricks make a very uneven surface that could easily turn an ankle, and allow many weeds to grow.

The severe raised part of the kerb line is difficult to negotiate and is hard to see against the psychedelic swirls that could easily affect vision and affect those with a poor sense of balance.

The gradient of the slope is too severe for wheelchairs and the telephone box in the middle of the path will impede peoples' progress.

Is there a prize for guessing where the letterbox ends up?

It would appear that Okehampton welcomes neither people, coaches nor any other form of life.

Last week, visitors to our new supermarket were saying that they had come here for years, but now considered it ruined and not worth visiting again.

I do not understand why no one has learnt from those Sampford Courtney 'improvements' that endangered lives and have mercifully, now been removed.

I have given up watching buses and lorries trying to manoeuvre amongst the bollards, poles and traffic lights, which litter the town.

Just how much of our taxes have been wasted on this inept work of devastation as these imposed obstacles have been demolished, replaced and replaced again?

No double, someone will win a design award and Okehampton will be given a millennium best-kept town in Devon accolade, but many, of all ages and occupations will continue to disapprove and will wonder who was responsible for imposing these urban attributes on an otherwise pleasant country town.

The Rev Barrie Duke

Goldburn Bungalow

Inwardleigh