Wayland van Hyldyck Smith, of Forde Park, Newton Abbot, writes:
In response to A reader and the troublemakers in Courtenay Street, skateboarders (and, may I add, cyclists), I would point out that there is already a world-class BMX track costing thousands of pounds built especially for such as these people in Decoy Park. It was provided by a council which was wise enough to realise that, as you say, these lads are now a part of our community and must have the right place for their antics – which is not a pedestrianised way, a main street through the town where they interfere with the shoppers etc. this is not an acceptable playground.
I suggest you take a walk further up to Wolborough Street and look at the new expensive benches to see just how much damage has been done.
Speak to the shopkeepers there who are fed up with their antics and foul language. do not try to tell me they are not reponsible for this damage, I am merely one of the several photographers who have furnished the evidence both by stills and camcorders of the damage actually being perpetrated, and the aftermath. They have been forwarded to the correct departments who, at last, are going to do something about it.
Your reference to noise etc. emanating from the Ship Inn is a little out of date, this establishment having been closed for some months.
We should not tolerate the actions of a bunch of undisciplined hooligans whose parental control is sadly missing.
I did ask one youth why he did not use the purpose-built BMX course to which he replied it was 'too **** far away.' asked his age, he said 11.