I AM writing regarding the proposals by Devon County Council and East Devon District Council for the Strand Gardens, Exmouth.

I AM writing regarding the proposals by Devon County Council and East Devon District Council for the Strand Gardens, Exmouth. I have obtained documents dated 1870, stating the land and proposed gardens at that time was given to Exmouth and Littleham councils and the residents in perpetuity. In other words forever. Not to Devon or EDDC.

So, Devon County Council and EDDC, please stop this piracy. You have no legal right to do this and, above all, do any councillors or officers have any honesty or honour? If not, hold your heads in shame.

The two documents I have are very large, 29" x 20", and remarkable, to say the least. They clearly define the land and gardens. So much so, they really impressed a recent visitor I had, Hugo Swire MP, who held them with both hands with great interest.

So, leave the Strand Gardens well alone and honour the Rolle family's gift - "No cycling", "No ball games", "No trading", "1870" - honestly given. So honestly protected by Littleham and Exmouth councils "1870".

If not: a legal challenge in the High Court and I am prepared to put my money where my pen is, I can assure you. So let's all together fight this act of treason.

Charles Holmes,

13 Chapel Street,

Budleigh Salterton.