I FEEL I must write as I and many other people are shocked at the vandalism in The Strand gardens. Because the council have got so much money, they spend it on cutting our beautiful trees down, which have stood for hundreds of years and are living things

I FEEL I must write as I and many other people are shocked at the vandalism in The Strand gardens. Because the council have got so much money, they spend it on cutting our beautiful trees down, which have stood for hundreds of years and are living things and should be appreciated. Of course, they would have lived for many more years; children have picked up conkers and grown-ups have fond memories. I thought chestnut trees were protected.

Some of their spare money could be better spent mending the broken and cracked pavements. And make it safer for pensioners and children. The gardens have been an oasis for everyone in the summer. I think it's disgraceful.

Trudy Smith,

27 Egremont Road, Exmouth.