I AM sure most of us reading of the outcomes of the failed action by West Devon Borough to overturn its previous planning conditions for the old Focus site would welcome the comments of Cllr Robert Sampson, the leader of the group of Independents, for a root and branch investigation into the processes which led to that path being taken.

In the meantime, residents of Tavistock should be comforted that any costs arising out of this action are shared equally across all borough taxpayers from Meeth to Chagford, North Tawton to Sticklepath, Sheepstor to Bere. Council  tax payers in Tavistock will only foot about 20% of the bill.

Perhaps one of the changes in local governance which could occur in the pursuit and development  of localism and partnership funding, is that if the BID partnership on behalf of the vested interests of some of its members was so supportive of the action to go to law would be to underwrite the cost of the venture in some respect.  

Notwithstanding, can any lead organisation, whether it be the borough council or the BID partnership, be so sure of itself regarding any potential use of this site for a supermarket without adequate consultation with the residents of the parishes that contribute to the vibrancy of Tavistock?  Tavistock is not an island.   

The views of residents without Tavistock, who have spending power and also make a largely disproportionate contribution to the council tax fund, seem to be irrelevant or not sought in any meaningful way on particular issues affecting our market town.

Margaret Garton

Kaya

Yelverton