I AM sure that many agree with Maureen Bryant (Letters, June 14) when she states that Okehampton needs something  but casts doubt on that special solution being in the form of another supermarket. Jan Goffey (Letters, June 7) had already highlighted the fate of other towns ruined by the building of huge stores.

People are rightly concerned about the prospect of empty shops in the high street. My particular concern is the future of the Plume of Feathers situated as it is right in the town centre. Four years ago we came back from holiday and decided to go to our favourite pub only to find that it had suddenly closed without warning. It has been closed ever since. This closure has had a detrimental effect on the community life of the town.

What can be done if there is no buyer? A change of use is a possibility. What do readers think about a new use? What would benefit the community? Perhaps we can learn from the community of Exbourne when they faced the threat of the loss of their post office (Dave Weeks' letter, June 14)

Meanwhile, people of all generations have fond memories connected with the the Plume of Feathers. Perhaps now is the time for us to gather our stories together before we have to say 'goodbye' to our pub for good.

V A Cushing

Okehampton