I READ the lead in last week's Okehampton Times regarding  'Opportunity Okehampton' and I was surprised and astonished.

If there is any money for  investment jointly by Devon County Council and the council to benefit employment then for goodness sake use it to regenerate the sites in Mill Road and the surrounding area which have been neglected for generations.

Useful starter units and studios could be created there with ample parking nearby, which in addition to providing work opportunities would enhance these blots on which is otherwise an attractive part of Okehampton.

Why do we always have to build on yet more green fields when there is space available within the town which needs sorting out? I know regeneration is more difficult than new build, but that makes it more worthwhile, especially if you use local builders and developers.

Richard Elliott

Fatherford Farm

Okehampton