Dr Michael J Howarth, of Belle Hill, Kingsbridge, writes:

When I was elected to the South Hams Council five years ago one of the things that most concerned me was the poor quality of the public green spaces in Kingsbridge.

My word how things have changed!

With the recent completion of the work on the recreation ground it is gratifying to look back at how much has been achieved; not only in the Rec and Duncombe Park but also in the numerous other green areas and corners of the town.

As a regular user of Duncombe Park, I take pleasure for instance in those lovely granite setts that edge the paths and also in the many newly-planted trees that will come into their own in the years ahead.

I never thought that the football nets would work as well as they appear to. The attractive children's play area in the Rec is a great success, and a huge highlight for me is the recent planting in the pond – what a fantastic transformation from the concrete, mud and debris of old.

Thanks are due to so many individuals and organisations who have worked together to make all this happen.

Particular thanks though to Anne from the town council; to Wendy from the Playspaces Group; and to Graham from Kingsbridge in Bloom for their outstanding leadership and commitment.

And finally, I would like to plug the mayor's campaign to 'pick-up five a day' because our rejuvenated green spaces are still not entirely immune from litter.

Overall the improvements that have taken place in the last five years are terrific, and Kingsbridge can now take real pride in its green spaces.

My wife and I are moving up country shortly to be nearer our family but we certainly hope to enjoy a Devon cream tea in the cafe at the Rec before we leave.