A REQUEST to allow teachers at a Tavistock school to park for free in the town's Guildhall Car Park was shot down in flames during a meeting on Monday night, writes Jane Honey.

Clare Wesson, headteacher of the Tavistock Church Schools' Federation, which comprises St Rumon's Infants and St Peter's schools, last month wrote to Tavistock Town Council to make the request, pending a move by the police to a new HQ at Abbey Rise.

The police currently have several spaces reserved in the car park, for which the authority pays.

Ms Wesson said: 'Please could I plead that you consider reserving some or all of these parking spaces for the use of the staff at St Rumon's Infants School.

'We are one of the very few schools in Devon with no parking anywhere near the school. This puts enormous pressure on staff.'

Ms Wesson said her colleagues had to carry laptops, teaching resources and piles of books to and from school every day, which posed a difficulty, particularly for teachers with back problems. She said there were also very few on-street areas near the school to park.

She said: 'My colleagues already arrive very early to try and find spaces and often spend precious teaching preparation time driving around looking for a space.

'In addition, St Rumon's is now federated with St Peter's and there are a number of staff who need to travel quickly between the school sites during the day.'

Ms Wesson said the governors had looked into the possibility of paying for car parking but were unable to use the school budget for this purpose.

She added: 'Both schools have a very good reputation and wish to continue to provide a high quality education. I am concerned that the increased difficulties in parking might affect our ability to recruit excellent teachers in future.'

Cllr Ted Sherrell, at Monday's meeting of the town's properties committee, said: 'If John McEnroe was a member of this committee, he would be saying "You cannot be serious!"

'I was staggered by this request. This lady essentially wants the best car parking in Tavistock totally free of charge!

'The police have had these spaces for years but they have always paid for them. I suspect most people living in the town and outside the area would love to have their own parking spaces — it would be lovely to be able to give them, but one has to say "Join the real world" I am afraid.'

Cllr Sherrell's proposal to reject the request was passed unanimously.

Cllr Brian Trew, remarking upon the strength of Cllr Sherrell's reaction to the request, said: 'I have never seen you in such form.'

Cllr Sherrell added: 'It upset me more than Plymouth Argyle does!'

The committee's decision is due to be ratified by the full council when it meets next Tuesday.