IN the Times of August 7 Cllr McInnes states re possible unitary authority changes:
'The public is therefore being invited to comment on critical proposals for change which are neither costed nor properly defined.
'Consequently no-one can be confident of the likely tangible benefits that may flow from the implementation of these changes for our residents and businesses. For many people this obvious lack of precision is a fundamental flaw in the current process of public consultation.'
Identical protestations are voiced by the borough in the community magazine West Devon Connect.
In the draft core strategy we have a proposal that 750 houses in Tavistock will provide a rail link to Bere Alston. Nowhere are there any details on the service this rail link would provide and at what price etc.
In the same draft core strategy document we are also being offered a new primary school, a new hospital, local shops and other services adjacent to the new houses, new extra care housing and a new large public open space. None of the extra 'juicy carrots' were mentioned for the public consultation on core strategy in January 2008, and they are all 'neither costed not properly defined'.
In addition, the proposals now come with a suggested brand new road link from the Callington Road across the canal and the beautiful Tavy Valley — never mentioned previously — no costings.
This whole consultation exercise on the core strategy is a sham and a disgrace as the public are being given insufficient facts upon which to base their response. The whole exercise smacks of 'pots and kettles' and the use of 'spin' for the borough councillors to get their own way. Please do not get sucked into believing you will get what they offer, even if you want it — except the 750 houses of course.
Alex Mettler
Courtenay Road
Tavistock