Keith Stokes-Smith, of Rushwick, Worcester, writes:

I read with some disappointment your article in the August 10 edition of the Newton Abbot Mid-Devon Advertiser entitled Five homes to be built on former orchard, and some of the purported comments included by Cllr Ken Lewis.

The article quotes Cllr Lewis, someone I know and respect, as being 'dismissive' of my concern that if this development is approved and proceeds, which it has and it will, it would, on the facts known to me today, thereafter prevent those who wish to partake in the ancient ceremony of beating the bounds of the old Newton Abbot Manorial Borough, not doing so to the extent it is possible today, as the development will build across those bounds.

Indeed, I believe Cllr Lewis himself, like a number of Newton Abbot past mayors, has partaken in the bound beating.

My representations on this matter have not been for personal gain nor would this development have any impact upon me personally; I have dutifully endeavoured to assist Newton Abbot as my conscience requires of me in preserving some of its diminishing cultural and historic heritage, as I would assume all those representing Newton Abbot and caring about such things would do and would wish me to do.

I find it difficult, therefore, to accept that Cllr Lewis said what was quoted, let alone the tone used; ie 'if he (meaning me) wants to walk his bounds he's going to find it easier, now he just has to walk across the pavement and through a hole in the wall'.

Let's get this right: these are the bounds of the old Newton Abbot town as it once was, bounds which its community regularly trod and for at least the last two decades have also regularly trod. This piece of 'our' cultural heritage is a community asset which I have endeavoured to give back to Newtonians through my activities/initiatives and many in the community have and to this day continue to enjoy it.

As to whether or not those in the community enjoying the bound beating will find it easier, as suggested by Cllr Lewis, once this development is in situ, I have no idea for there is no difficulty in walking them today.

On the information currently known to me, part of the boundary will cease to be available to them once the development is built.OTHER LETTERS ONLINE