WILL TRAVIS, of Alma Steps, Kingswear, writes:

The recent letter from Mr A Pitts Hannaford seems to be based on ignorance.

I don't know about Johnny Chick but Jim Brent is trying to create more temporary parking in Dartmouth before a developer does set about changing our town by building an oversized block of flats on the site.

Furthermore, I have known Mr Brent since he moved here 11 years ago and in that time he has been a member of the local drama club; the Shakespeare group; he has served on the regatta committee for nine years as a member, vice-chairman and chairman; he was a volunteer first responder with the ambulance service and dealt with people in Dartmouth who had suffered heart attacks; he is a member of the lifeboat crew and he is also the crew chairman. Last year he was elected 'Lifeboatman of the Year'.

He was instrumental in setting up the cricket league on Coronation Park and, to this day, continues to prepare the cricket pitch, despite the fact he doesn't play himself.

Last year he coached Dartmouth FC first team and I doubt if there is a charity in the town that hasn't benefited from a donation at some time and those of us 'locals' who do know Mr Brent will tell you he will try to help anyone who asks.

I can't think of a Dartmothian, let alone an 'outsider' as he kindly phrased it, who has contributed as much as Mr Brent has over such a short period.

Perhaps Mr Pitts-Hannaford didn't know any of this before he put pen to paper but then, as they say, ignorance is bliss.