CJA HELYER, of South Embankment, Dartmouth, writes:

An open letter to the chairman and members of the Dartmouth Harbour Board.

May I first congratulate the board on its foresight in commissioning the recent study by Plymouth University, which Dr Steve Fletcher presented so splendidly at the Dartmouth Guildhall. It represents, in many ways, a bold and brave initiative.

However, with appropriate follow-up and strategic action the not insignificant outlay of £10,000 will soon be justified.

I must also record my gratitude to your vice-chairman, Jan Scott, who chaired the consultation evening with great diplomacy and goodwill.

Furthermore, grateful thanks are due to your board colleague, Sue Pudduck, in stating publicly that she had come to realise, after initial misgivings, the veracity of the study's findings that there is a significant communication gap between the board and its stakeholders.

Ms Pudduck's statement, if endorsed by the whole board, is surely a splendid start towards improving communications between all parties who have an interest in the future management of the River Dart.

The meeting was also assisted by the clear and concise information provided, as required, by the harbourmaster, Rob Giles.

However, I must now place on record my dismay and incredulity, which I voiced in part at the meeting, at the absence of the majority of the board members.

It beggars belief that you, Mr Chairman, and four of your fellow board members, should insult your stakeholders by your absence from this hugely significant consultation. It does not bode well for the future.