Mr E J E STOWERS, of Westower, Teignmouth, writes:

With reference to the unfortunately anonymous complaint regarding the security fence around Jason's Garden on Cliff Walk, Teignmouth, I ask the question: which is the most important, the protection of a beautiful memorial garden which has already suffered from theft and vandalism, or a fence which you need not look at if it offends and which will be covered by roses in due course?

A previously-neglected scrubland has been transformed into a nationally recognised outstanding garden by the seriously hard work of the Pope family in memory of their son Jason, tragically missing in Angola where he worked.

I, too, am most grateful to the family who generously made and placed a plaque in their garden in memory of my wife's brother, Son Westlake, of Ivy Lane, who – with 110 other sailors on HMS Hunter – lost their lives in the Battle of Narvik, Norway, on April 10, 1940.

In protecting our homes and town we also have burglar alarms and cctv cameras which, sadly today, are now necessary and, as someone who, after serving in the armed forces, spent a lifetime career in the British and Colonial Police, I strongly support any legal effort in the protection of life and property.

Open days to see Jason's Garden are held to raise funds for charity, including the RNLI.

To judge the value of the fence, or otherwise, a visit in May would be worthwhile.