SIR — What a poignant photograph you printed in last week's paper showing a group of able-bodied and disabled dog walkers braving a snowstorm on Watchet Memorial Ground.
I am certain that those photographed are just a small section of Watchet's hardy dog walkers who daily exercise themselves and their dogs there.
We all know how important regular exercise is in combating obesity and modern ailments. It now appears that our town council is determined to stop that simple but important pleasure.
We are still coming to terms with West Somerset Council's decision to close the Minehead swimming pool just to save a few pounds.
What a cost to residents who relied upon the pool as a source of vital exercise in combating physical and mental illness that was.
Over the last few years, I have personally crossed the Memorial Ground on at least 1,000 occasions and I can honestly say, hand on heart, that I have never seen a dog defecate without the owner a step or two behind with poly bag in hand.
Also, I cannot recall any time that I have come across abandoned dog faeces, which cannot be said for the streets, roads and lanes around the town.
It is not unusual for one to have to negotiate half a dozen dog messes just to get to the Memorial Ground.
One final point, most mornings there is clear evidence of foxes and badgers having visited the Memorial Ground overnight.
Could it possibly be that these are the ultimate culprits in this long-running dispute?
Edward Frewin,
Goviers Lane,
Watchet.