THOSE of us who greatly value the Wharf's arts and entertainments programme welcomed news of the Tavistock Town Council's grant (reported in the Times on March 13).

There were, however, some doubts expressed at the council meeting, perhaps due to grants over the last two years of £3,000 from the town council and £8,000 from West Devon Borough Council to a company with a very similar name.

This money went to a group called the New Wharf Community Interest Company, which (according to the borough council's minutes) was for 'initial architectural designs and the development of a viable business model for transforming the Wharf into a centre for contemporary arts . . .'.

But the Wharf's current proprietors hold a lease running until 2029, and have never had any intention of pulling out.

Perhaps the New Wharf CIC should therefore consider paying the grant money back to the respective councils? Or better still, if the councils approve, pass the £11,000 over to the 'real' Wharf to make the place even better.

Ivor Williams

Coryton Station