SIR — Recently, on a hot and sunny weekend afternoon, I was making the most of the weather and enjoying the colourful displays in Blenheim Gardens, chatting with a friend on a bench there.

A young family had parked themselves on the edge of the grass opposite the shelter, the wife sunbathing and the husband, a young man, was playing various ball games with his two young children with a sign saying "No ball games" just a couple of yards away and quite visible.

Now I have witnessed this many times in 'our' gardens before, groups of young men, local too, behaving in this arrogant and defiant way, with absolutely no respect for others or their surroundings, with everyone around doing nothing to stop it.

On this particular occasion I took it upon myself to approach the man and just point out that no ball games were allowed in the gardens and was he aware of this, whereupon he just answered "Yes, I know", and carried on playing ball regardless.

What can be done about this loutish, yobbish, seemingly popular way of conducting oneself? I call myself a local man, having moved here with my family 32 years ago, and I believe I have every right to take things into my own hands when I witness such disrespect; if this sort of thing isn't challenged, and in a polite way, then it will just carry on.

I notice that the local council have employed a very official looking lady, equipped with binoculars, uniform, special car and walkie talkie, just as a dog patrol. Why can't that person also be responsible for checking the goings on in Blenheim Gardens?

The gardeners do a fine job in the gardens, the hours spent creating the displays that we see today is admirable, and one reason for not allowing ball games in the gardens is to protect those displays and other plants for all our enjoyment now and in the future.

I suggest that the powers that be in this town really ought to make adequate arrangements to protect Blenheim Gardens, its whole environment and its frequent 'local users', not to mention the thousands of visitors it has each year, from mindless vandalism and 'yob culture'.

Name and address supplied.