SO West Devon Borough Council is to engage in cost cutting on a large scale. It is true that they have, over the last two years been seeking ways of doing this but the Government's reduction in the monies supplied by central funds has now forced them into taking action that is long overdue. They are now able to cut £3.5 million pounds from their budget.

I daresay they lay this problem at the door of Whitehall, but the question has to be asked why did they not do this before? Perhaps it is because it is simpler to raise the rates rather than find innovative ways of saving money. Or perhaps it is the way that they have engaged in futile legal actions over the proposed Tesco store. The Tesco store is something which every person I have spoken to thinks is a very good idea.

Thank God the days of grand expensive statements and grand ideas are over. They are only going to have a skeleton staff left at the Tavistock offices which cost millions of pounds of your money just a few years ago. Just another white elephant.

I trust that all of our councils — county, district and town — take note of the council which has managed things in a way that has brought this about and do not engage in any more massive expenditures that do not have clear long term financial benefits for the town, district or county.

I am truly sorry for those who will lose their livelihoods as a result of this but the blame must clearly be put on those who have mismanaged over the years. I am sure they will have excuses for their folly but the next election is only 18 months away and the people of West Devon will pass their verdict then.

Cllr Brian A A Trew

Tavistock Town Councillor (Independent) (South Ward)