Gary Taylor, of Powderham, writes:

So, no matter how parched the Dawlish grass, it is always greener than in Newton Abbot.

Such a bold comparison refers (metaphorically of course) not to The Lawn – but to the new free-parking zone alongside, on The Strand. While residents and shopkeepers have welcomed this initiative (although not the reduction in available parking spaces) a Newton Abbot town spokesman has complained 'it is completely unacceptable that Dawlish benefits from this' and is demanding an explanation (Dawlish Gazette, August 21).

To invoke such politics of envy is not only unedifying, it obscures the struggle town centres across the country now face in maintaining vital footfall. Given the increase in out-of-town shopping – and the inexorable rise of the internet – responsible town managers should seek to increase overall trade, not deny incentives to neighbours.

It is reassuring Dawlish has the support of Devon County Council on this, but why a local spat merits such intervention is worrying. Granted, the regeneration of The Strand is a joint initiative between all three governing councils (town, district and county) but surely Dawlish is best placed to make and defend such decisions?

Wherever responsibility currently lies, many now seek stronger local representation (drawing on the Localism Act of 2011) not just on parking – but on a wide range of matters, from social provision through to planning permission.

But the wheels of government grind slow – and for now those who have helped deliver The Strand regeneration project deserve applause. The open vistas and wide pavements have been well designed and implemented, attracting not just visitors, but a rise in outlet enquiries.

Dawlish town centre is on the up... and while café culture may never replace cream teas in this corner of Devon, the message remains the same: naysayers of Newton Abbot – wake up and smell the coffee!MORE LETTERS IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION