Nine years ago, my wife and I came to Exmouth for one night and decided to move here. Would we choose to move if we came here now? Easter is approaching and thousands of holidaymakers will come to Exmouth.

Nine years ago, my wife and I came to Exmouth for one night and decided to move here. Would we choose to move if we came here now?

Easter is approaching and thousands of holidaymakers will come to Exmouth.

How many will want to return again to sit in the Strand Gardens now laid bare, like a wasteland having had its lovely mature trees not pruned, but cut down?

How many will return to sit in the gardens next to Carlton Hill and look at the derelict monstrosity of concrete and wood, instead of the sea view?

How many will return to dodge their way along half the pavement on the seafront, while at the same time trying to stop their children straying into the cycle lane and being injured?

And how many people will return after an evening stroll along the seafront at night, staring at strings of broken coloured lights?

Exmouth now reminds me of Rhyl, North Wales, with its modern seafront developments, many charity shops, empty shops, take-aways, cafes, but few shops of substance.

Rhyl's main economy is now drug dealing and its main visitors addicts. EDDC and DCC seem intent at letting Exmouth become the Rhyl of Devon.

Howard Witts,

Avondale Road, Exmouth.