Philip Roe, ‘Heartbroken of Bayard’s Cove’, Letters, January 19, makes a number of claims which need to be challenged or clarified.

South Hams District Council removed some old overgrown Cordylines from the South Embankment after discussions with Dartmouth Green Partnerships, prior to a programme of replanting with more suitable species.

The footfall counter, a leftover from the failed Business Improvement District scheme, has not been shown to relate to anything of significance with regard to local businesses.

After 18 months of negotiations, Dartmouth may decide to reassume responsibility for her own parks and gardens, currently suffering from the effects of central government cuts.

The increase in precept requested to allow this to occur represents less than one per cent of total council tax. The failure of negotiations with River View was due to the greed of the venture capitalist owners, but talks continue.

The closure of retail banks resulted from changes in banking habits, and decisions made in London.

Recommendations with regard to a clinic in the old town are included in the draft neighbourhood plan; and the possibility of installing extra cash machines is being investigated.

Your town council, despite near constant derision from some quarters, is active and working for Dartmouth in many ways, but good news does not sell newspapers.

We have a bright future in this town,­ despite the activities of the naysayers.

Cllr Richard Cooke

Mayor of Dartmouth