Dartmouth has always been an example of how things should be done.

The ambiance is second to none; the businesses are unique an run by hard-working, ­inspirational entrepreneurs; the people are a delight and are invariably armed with warm smiles and joyous personalities; and then there are the parks and the pristine cleanliness of the streets… until recently.

Far too many small, ­exclusive shops have vanished, provoking disappointment from customers and no doubt heartbreak for those who have worked hard to see their businesses flounder due to the high costs of running not least rent and rate rises.

My family and I holiday in Dartmouth several weeks ­during the year and have done so for more than 40 years – and each generation has found nothing at fault.

The parks and the cleanliness of the streets, though, have diminished massively and the glaring fault is that, except for a sterling job done by volunteers, there seems to be a lack of council staff.

I have holidayed with my family in May, June and July so far this year, and the following was first noticed and reported to the council in May. Take a walk through the tiny Kings Quay Street, turn left into the picturesque footpath that exits near Zion Place.

No so picturesque since May, though. There is now a massive pile of used nappies, sanitary towels, cans and bottle and food wrappers, no doubt dumped by those with no ­consideration, standards or thought for those who will have to undertake the cleaning up.

Could it be that the powers that be, those unseen fat cats running the council, are paid so much that there are gigantic cuts to the high standards usually witnessed until recently?

With the massive rent, rate and car park charges, surely there must be copious amounts of dosh in the coffers?

I speak as a holidaymaker, one who chooses to spend large amounts of money in the second-to-none shops, restaurants, hotels etc.

So, if the chief executive of South Hams District Council is reading this, then it is something to ponder on. Dartmouth is one of the jewels – if not the jewel – in Devon’s crown.

Don’t kill the goose that lays the golden egg.

Perhaps the aforesaid high earners could don high-viz jackets, wield a hoe and lend a hand to the diminishing parks department team. Oh, and not forgetting the massive

weeds growing alongside the NatWest Bank. By doing so, they could ensure the return of ­holidaymakers .

Diane Rogers

Entry Hill, Bath