ALISON TURNBULL, of Dawlish Road, Teignmouth, writes:
The tourist board describes Teignmouth as The Gem of the South West, but perhaps it chooses to ignore the fact that the Lake Avenue residents' complaint of dog fouling, last week, is widespread throughout the whole of Teignmouth – the Cliff Walk, The Den, and the entire beach and promenade area from east to west.
In effect, therefore, this beautiful, charming and historic town has been allowed to become nothing more nor less than a glorified dogs' lavatory.
True, many owners act responsibly, but many do not and, because the level of dogs which in particular use the beach for this purpose, often reaches saturation level at weekends, our environment has become disfigured and soiled by their oppressive presence.
Frequently owners arrive with up to six dogs, some from as far away as Widecombe.
But whether single or multiple in number, enough of their owners display convenient myopia when their pets defecate to leave our wonderful beach literally marred by their passing, posing a grim minefield for young people who row and surf year long.
Make no mistake I like dogs. But, as someone who has served at sea, I find it repellant to see its habitat fouled in such a large scale manner.
I have travelled widely, both at home and abroad, but I have never seen a small town and its environment so dominated by this authorised usage, over and above the interests, wishes and well-being of all others.
Don't we owe Teignmouth a better future than this?MORE LETTERS - SEE OUR ONLINE EDITION