I am not in favour of any local authority amalgamations whatsoever. It’s hard enough to get anything done now by South Hams District Council, let alone with a much bigger authority in the future.

At this very moment they are trying to cheat our lower ferrymen out of what is their historical wages package, while citing the pitiful low wages of other marine workers as their example. In fact, those wages should be increased considerably. After all, Salcombe is not Dartmouth and I can’t see why their harbourmaster isn’t at home running their harbour and not in an office in Follaton House causing all manner of complications. I fail to see why it has become his business.

Now, just imagine how tempting Coronation Park would be as car parking space to a mammoth council who care nothing for people, but just about raking in the money.

Perhaps you have tried to contact SHDC recently; it’s a telephonic nightmare and, frankly, almost a waste of time.

If you want something done, it is always our councillors that do it, both district and local. Mind you, the reports of bullying coming from Dartmouth’s Guildhall need investigation.

We tried only last week to contact SHDC over an annual five-pence yearly leat tax. I wanted to say: “Can I give you a pound? If I’m alive in 40 years time, then won’t I be glad to pay yet another” – thereby saving all the expensive administration cost.

We could not get hold of anyone who knew anything about it. If you telephone to complain regarding the slippery state of the slipway, no one even knows where it is. No one comes here,and yet the same old group of us are expected to fork out and pay more and more, time after time.

To me, small is beautiful and, while it may not be perfect, our collective voices won’t be lost in a great – or might it be pitiful – wind of change.

Now what about the fish pond, SHDC? Or should I go to one of the animal cruelty organisations and have you prosecuted for what amounts surly to negligence and cruelty? After which, come and deal with the incidence of flytipping here in our street which now ranges from cardboard boxes to even a derelict car taking up much needed car parking space. After all, you set up the scheme and now let’s see you make it work. Oh, and I saw a rat not 20 yards from my door. It could be the same one from down the road but I doubt it as, like me, it had a bit of attitude and a distinct limp.

Kevin Pyne

Lake Street, Dartmouth