Erin Rogers, of Britannia Avenue, Dartmouth, writes:

I was born and raised in Dartmouth, I was schooled here, did work experience here, played with my friends here and now all grown up I work here, raise my family here and I still love it.

I work in the town centre and hear from visitors to my work place things like 'oh no, not Townstal, that's a rough area" or 'Townstal that's the area with the crime problems', etc, etc.

Well after hearing this again today I felt I had to write to all of you – and I'm sure you know who you are – who I am sure don't actually know anyone who lives at Townstal, let alone ever dared to enter the area for fear of your lives!

Well, you are all missing something.

I live and am proud to live in a community, where you know your neighbour, and even more you like your neighbours, neighbours who would help you, not because of any other reason than they want too.

The community I live in creates friendships for life, we have fun, we enjoy life and enjoy sharing our lives with our fellow Dartmothians whether from Townstal or not.

So next time you wish to moan and groan about Townstal, make sure you don't do it someone who lives there, they may not be as understanding and polite as me.