I BRING to your notice three items that were included in your last edition.
Firstly the closure of three public toilets, one of which is at Tavistock Bus Station. Surely H&S rules require the provision of toilets on a site that provides for the number of people that use the bus station?
If the council has difficulty with funds have they contacted the transport users of the site and discussed assistance or are there plans that we as the users and tax payers are not entitled to know about?
The second case is £28,500 for a playground in Okehampton which has been approved. This was turned down last year due to financial constraints yet approved now in a time of a much tighter budget. This money would easily help support the bus station toilets.
The third matter is of Tavistock Town Council spending £5,000 for a street party for the Royal Wedding. I am a royalist but my view is if people want to celebrate the event then have their own organised parties. If the council must spend money then spend a moderate amount on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee next year, to celebrate what she has done for us.
I ask the council to look at their task and say before you make these money spending decisions consult your electorate.
In the 37 years that I have been living in Bere Alston I have never been contacted by a member of the council regarding a surgery to discuss local matters. At least the standing MPs have always done this and listened to the electorate.
As councillors they are here to carry out the wishes of the people they represent as well as upholding local government not just what they would like to see being carried out. I know it is not easy to carry out these tasks at times but if they find it an onerous task they can always resign.
Come on, council and electorate, let's work together.
S J McQueen
Bere Alston