MADAM, I write in response to the article in Bridstow News vol. 8 concerning the section of riverbank at the rear of the While Lion in Wilton, and the negative views expressed by some local residents.
I have to say that during the considerable amount of time that I have spent enjoying this stretch of the river I havc never witnessed anyone using the footpath being in any way inconvenienced by any activities occurring on this piece of land.
This land appears to be rigidly policed by the landlords and their staff so as to prevent any such inconvenience. I have regularly seen the landlord maintaining the riverbank to a very high standard even after flooding which is more than I can say for many other areas of the riverbank, in particular the unofficial campsite on the opposite bank where unscrupulous campers appear to be allowed to pitch their tents, unchallenged, leaving a deluge of litter and human excrement in their wake.
If the parish council wishes the landlords to maintain the land but not be allowed to use it perhaps they should consider a contribution towards its upkeep, or even consider purchasing the land. But then, of course, we would expect them to maintain it to its present standard!
Having myself been the victim of the effects of the current economic climate I applaud the landlords of the White Lion for their efforts to bring visitors to the town and create revenue for our remaining small businesses and the parish council and other negatives would do well to follow their example rather than channelling their energies into driving people away.
A Morgan, Ross