Dear Editor,

I was interested to read the letter in last week’s Ross Gazette (August 5th edition) and think the gentleman was not necessarily wrong to say something to the people swinging on the weeping willow branches by the riverside. However, approaching strangers and criticising their behaviour should be done with great tact and diplomacy. The children were having fun and the adults were clearly affronted by the intervention, however well meaning.

We live in a different world today, or so it seems to us over-fifties. Frequently we hear now of children and young people feeling a “sense of entitlement”. They do appear less inhibited and freer to express themselves, which is arguably a good thing. However, if branches were breaking, most adults would put an end to the activity I think (hope) and explain why. Adults do, of course, need to teach respect for property and other people and set a good example.

This letter led me to wonder if we should be doing more to provide activities for children in public spaces. As a child in the sixties, we would spend hours on end outside, in a group, climbing trees, building dens and riding bikes safely off road, always unsupervised. No doubt we got up to some mischief, but I remember the sense of freedom and adventure which has possibly been denied today’s children.

Would an adventure playground be a good idea for that end of the river walk? The very small playground on the Rope Walk is designed for younger children and, although well used, is limited.

A new play area for older children could be tastefully designed, using natural materials to fit in with the surroundings. Many families visit and picnic there and I feel this would be a great attraction and addition to our town. I am aware that the area floods, so maybe temporary structures that could be dismantled and stored over winter would be the answer?

Do we not need to address the issue of where children can safely play energetically in the fresh air, developing skills and confidence by climbing, balancing, swinging and jumping? Yes, they have these facilities at many Primary Schools, but they are not accessible in the school holidays. Maybe wooden picnic benches could be provided nearby for adults to supervise and enjoy watching their children socialising and having fun.

Diane Coverdale

Ross-on-Wye