I refer to the article in the Mid-Devon Advertiser dated July 2. I would agree that the market and the main shopping streets of Newton Abbot are in need of some sprucing up to attract more shoppers into town.
But where would one park the car to reach these shopping areas if the multi-storey car park and, seemingly, the parking in the cattle market were to disappear? it is not clear whether the Newfoundland Way car park is to remain. Many people who visit the town for their shopping and for access to the library and education centre are ageing or infirm how would they be able to park within reasonable access to the shops? The Asda car park is obviously not large enough to accommodate any extra vehicles.
The loss of the Butter Market as a trading area would be a tragic loss to shopping possibilities in the town and would precluded many small traders from the town. Yes, by all means bring the stalls into the 21st cetury and attract people and visitors to the town. In fact, what is envisaged for the potential commercial development?
But to return to the Butter Market. Yes, Newton Abbot does require better facilities for the arts at present they are non-existent but I do not see that using the market building as a venue for live music at night is going to enhance the towns facilities for the arts, however often you would expect it to be used.
How often would you expect it to be used as such? And to what extent would this be viable? And again where would those attending be able to park for ease of access and more imporantly, egress at the end of the nights entertainment as well as the filmgoers from the multiplex cinema, which would obviate rowdy and possible unruly disturbances affecting also nearby residents.
What would become of the market and Market Walk areas if the shops and restaurants were to vanish?
My feeling is, if Newton Abbot is to have a living and vibrant future, the plans illustrated in the Mid-Devon Advertiser need to be binned and rethought. Yes, Newton Abbot does need regeneration but not be a carbon copy of Exeters or other towns shopping areas. This present plan and report appears to be a total waste of £30,000.
And why so little advance notice of the times of exhibiting these plans?
THIS AND OTHER LETTERS IN OUR ONLINE EDITION