Michael Stevens, of Lower Contour Road, Kingswear, writes:

Janice Henshall, in her letter last week about Lighthouse beach, has clearly misunderstood the significance of the Newhaven ruling.

The case was lost because the port owners had a right by Act of Parliament to impose bylaws to prohibited public use of the beach, which they claim is in the working port area.

An article in the Daily Telegraph of March 22 says it all:

'A beach can be a green, except in Newhaven. Beaches are capable of being registered as "village greens", a High Court judge has declared.

'Mr Justice Ouseley, sitting in London, said the words used by Parliament to define 'town or village green are broad enough to permit the registration of a tidal beach'.

This clarification demolishes the main argument put forward by Ms Henshall against registering Lighthouse beach under the Commons Act 2006.

It does not matter how high the tide may or may not come. It is difficult to think what can now stop registration.

The current task is to raise sufficient funds to ensure that the public are properly represented at the public inquiry set up by Devon County Council.

If readers are able to make a contribution to the costs involved then could they please send a donation to the clerk to Kingswear Parish Council, 58 Winsu Avenue, Paignton TQ3 1QE.