Edith Bull, of Dittisham, writes:

Dear David Southwick and the people of Dartmouth and Kingswear.

Happy New Year, Mr Southwick.

Sorry this letter is well into the new year but my original letter could not be published. As it was written, it appeared to encourage people to commit trespass – see last week's story 'Police threat over beach trespass'. So here is my amended letter.

What is happiness, Mr Southwick? May I be so bold as to make some suggestions.

For the residents of Dartmouth and Kingswear for over 100 years, Lighthouse beach was happiness.

For myself and my daughter, without a car, the beach was for picnics and sunshine – a place to just sit and think relax. No money had to be spent, just the effort of climbing up and down the steps.

Could you, Mr Southwick, now change your mind about all this safety rubbish?

Is it only not safe because that's the way you want it to be?

For 100 years-plus that beach was safe – just clear your stuff.

You have your beautiful castle on the beach.

Just enjoy it and give the people who love this beach the freedom to laugh and play again. It is not too late to change from being the Wicked Prince in the tower to being the Happy Prince of the people.

 This next rant is to the people of Dartmouth and Kingswear, myself included.

What is the matter with us? What a lily-livered lot we are.

Why are we going to spend tax payers' money, our money, a fortune on fighting this man in court, just because he says we can not use the beach. [Edited].

The beach was for all of us, you and me. It seems crazy that one man can wield so much power. [Edited].

Best of all, Mr, Southwick, Prince of the Castle, would be if you came down from your battlement and joined us in some fun laughter and happiness on Lighthouse beach.