E R T CRANMER, of Broadstone, Dartmouth, writes:

A number of concerned townspeople have come together to form ROPE – Residents Opposing Parking Enforcement – in the hope that if we give Devon County Council enough rope, they will go hang their unwanted parking proposals.

To date, we have delivered over 3,500 leaflets around the town, inserted a cut out form in last week's paper and canvassed most of the shops and businesses in the lower part of the town. We hope to have had some television and local radio coverage by the end of our campaign.

The results so far have been so far short of dramatic – over 90 per cent of the shop's offices are firmly against these proposals and amongst the general public the greatest wish is that things remain as they are. The county solicitor's office in county hall has already received well over 100 written complains (via the post and online) and on Friday, September 20, we delivered an estimated 300-400 complaint forms. A remarkable achievement in such a short space of time and a wonderful example of community spirit.

We hope these complaints will be sufficient to cause Devon County Council to rethink their plans. We, the townspeople, would like the town left as it is now. However, in the event that we are unsuccessful, you may rest assured that ROPE will be planning for Phase 2. We must not lose this battle if we want the town to survive and thrive.

If you haven't already done so, please let your feelings be known. It is not too late.