David B Baker, of Dartmouth, writes:

As a recent arrival in residence to this small piece of heaven called Dartmouth – albeit that I have been a visitor for many years – I now feel eligible to join in the 'Drossgate' debate and, if possible, to offer an objective solution.

Firstly I must say that having met the fast-becoming-infamous Johnny Chick, to whom much bile has been directed, I have found him amiable, articulate and with a degree of wit that is refreshing in these troubled times.

From the latter I would deduce that at least part of his 'dross' reference would have been made with a deft tongue firmly in cheek. That was certainly my thought when, on reading your front page reportage, it caused me to spit out a good Burgundy and almost choke with laughter!

The laughter was caused by my association with the word 'dross', described in the shorter Oxford as: noun; something worthless.

When a younger, and less than proficient, yachtsman, I have found myself in the streets of this fair town, in regatta week, more than slightly inebriated and, yes, worthless!

Thus my association. Many a night was spent in the luxury of Coronation Park unable to navigate my way back to my bunk and, once, even remember the name of the vessel it was therein contained.

There will be many thousands with similar memories and, the 'nanny state'permitting, many more in the future.

As an aside I spent every penny I had in my pocket and on one occasion was helped to my feet by a local vintner who had realised that I had stopped drinking – setting a bad example to his other patrons.

So, as both inflictor and, more recently, inflicted, I offer the following solution to bring the people on each side of this debate together for the sake of our community.

The formation of a society to be known by the acronym Dross – Dartmouth Regatta Outsider-Swigging Society, an exclusive club whose members would pay a levy to join, wear a unique T-Shirt and, on formal occasions, an enamelled lapel badge.

The later would incorporate as its emblem a king-sized burger and tankard of Devon cider.

Dartmouth would be the benefactor of the generated profits and status-seeking visitors would be proud to be counted among the 'Dross'!