Yvonne Paul, of Frobisher Lane, Salcombe, writes: Wake up Salcombe! Let's challenge Kingsbridge with 'Salcombe in Bloom'. For a town supposedly high up the ranking of expensive properties, it is a disgrace. Weeds growing everywhere. Only a few really lovely flower displays. Our street cleaners work hard, but it is not their responsibility to clear vegetation. Not so very long ago, the town had a team of men to keep hedges and edges clean and tidy, with Arthur Lapthorn as their caring and fastidious foreman. No longer affordable, no doubt. I know we are subject to mindless vandalism, but we could replicate Kingsbridge, which has a dedicated army of special people. could we not achieve a much more attractive town? Sadly, so many residents are ageing or are not here permanently, while the younger ones are too busy, so it would be hard to find volunteers. We need to take more pride in our town. I was shocked to see the state of Batson Croft fields. The ­lovely footpath is messy and parts of the bank look dangerous as it falls away. I remember cattle grazing in these fields and blackberry bushes ­surrounding them. Now they have reverted back into a jungle of bracken and brambles. No grass to be seen. The kissing gates are still standing but have never been fully repaired – how I wish I could afford to have them completed. The residents of Batson have taken pride in their hamlet and it shows. Kingsbridge is a delight. It is obvious to see how much they care. It brings smiles to faces. How about it Salcombe? We also need some more ­volunteers to help maintain Cliff House woods. These were given to the town along with Cliff House by the wonderful, far-sighted and generous ­benefactor Andrew McIlraith. In 1961 they were to be sold and were threatened by possible development. After much fundraising they were bought by some very kind people and a charitable trust was born to keep them for the town. They have been cared for by volunteers ever since. Sadly age and illness have taken their inevitable toll and we need new blood. Please help, however little.