ROY G PHILLIPS, of St Joseph's Court, Carlton Place, Teignmouth, writes:

Why don't Teignmouth's 12 town councillors, out of the council's annual budget of nearly a quarter of a million pounds, give at least £500 annually from their autumn grants to our local RNLI?

We need to thank them, in this practical way, for the essential service they provide for our beach each summer and the annual care they provide for those using the sea and river.

Previously, Teignbridge Council found it expensive to provide lifeguard cover themselves for our beaches. The local RNLI now provides this service for them – at far less cost – so Teignmouth's six district councillors should ensure this amount is increased and thus allow the young volunteers to acquire additional life-saving equipment, thereby enhancing their present service.

It is the RNLI's presence on our sea front that reassures both residents and visitors alike that they, and especially their children, are provided with essential safety during the summer months. There is therefore every justification for Devon County Council to greatly increase its financial help to the RNLI, remembering that this essential service is needed for seaside towns and villages on both north and south coasts.

Even at times of national economic difficulties, essential services such as the RNLI, police, etc should be protected. To do otherwise is economic madness or shows a real lack of care and concern for the welfare of citizens in general.

We are indeed very fortunate to have so many willing volunteers and the young people concerned set a wonderful example of what 'care in the community' should truly mean.MORE LETTERS IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION