POLICE have expressed satisfaction that the recent crack-down on nuisance youths at Heathfield seems to have had the desired effect. At Bovey Tracey Town Council, PC Peter Armitage reported that during Easter week they received no calls about anti-social behaviour in the area. The problems of large numbers of young people congregating in the streets, intimidating residents and fuelling the fear of crime, were discussed at a public meeting in March at which more than 70 people were present. Since then, police had made several arrests and handed out warnings. 'It has been a success. Things are a lot quieter there now,' he said. But councillors were worried that while police attention was on Heathfield, matters were deteriorating in Bovey Tracey. It was reported that three cars had been overturned and that residents were afraid of parking in the street. Cllr David Elphick wanted reassurance that the community beat officers would not be replaced by community support officers, 'which in my mind is no replacement at all.' But Chudleigh sector Insp David Nott was unable to make any such undertaking. He said that Devon and Cornwall Constabulary was going through 'considerable period of change'. Government had provided funding for 400-500 extra community support officers in Devon but he did not know how many Teignbridge would be allocated. 'I would expect a number that would significantly improve our police patrol presence,' he said. However he added that this may mean that a number of neighbourhood beat managers may be redeployed to other tasks. p A 'COURTESY' notification that Bovey Tracey is to lose two payphones did nothing to pacify the town council. Town clerk, Terry Westwood, informed members that BT had written to say that the payphones at Thorn's Cross and outside the Methodist Church are to go. 'The one at the Methodist Church is essential. I think the town council should be writing strongly to BT and Teignbridge,' he said. Members were incensed at being told in the so-called courtesy letter that BT no longer needed to consult before removing payphones. Public payphones are also to be removed from Moretonhampstead, Starcross, Ashburton, Teignmouth and Shaldon. 'I don't call it a service. It's a cheek. They are obviously more concerned with making profits,' fumed Cllr Sally Morgan. The council agreed to copy its letter of objection to Richard Younger-Ross, Teignbridge MP. p THE town council has given its blessing to a commemorative event to be held next year by the town's Heritage Trust, marking the 50th anniversary of the closure of the pottery. A second anniversary event also won council backing. The 750th anniversary of the granting of the Charter by Henry III to Henry de Tracey, Lord of the Manor in 1260 to hold a Manorial Fair falls in 2010. p A FEELER put out by the Marché de France to hold a continental street market in Bovey Tracey next year, has fallen on fertile ground. Cllr Fernley Holmes was worried it might draw business away from their own farmers' market. But other members of the town council believed it could have the reverse effect, providing a welcome shot in the arm. 'I think it would be a good event to bring people into town. 'They should do it on the same day as the farmers' market,' said Cllr Avril Kerswell.
