I read the article headlined, Wooldown meeting axed (Cornish Times, 26.06.09) with disbelief that a town, according to Looe Town Council, would protest against a small play area for children.
I do not live in Looe but I do know Looe well as I am Cornish. When I do visit Looe, I enjoy the walk up the coastal path to the Wooldown fields, but sadly in the last few years this has become more like a dog haven rather than a haven for the community and there is a lot of dog mess there.
I can see the Mums of Looe group's point of view and they are right to want to make the Wooldown a more community-friendly area.
Dogs must be kept on leads in public areas at all times. It begs understanding why people have dogs if they do not have gardens for them. It is not fair on any animal to solely depend on walks on the Wooldown for exercise.
I am an outsider looking in but I do buy the Cornish Times every week and it disappoints me to see such a negative approach towards children and families in a town that claims to be a family holiday destination.
Normally I do not write letters but I feel I must say something because I am worried about the long-term effect negativity like this could have on Cornwall as a whole.
Looe used to be a beautiful happy place with a good community spirit but over the last few years Looe has lost all of this. I sincerely hope the Mums of Looe do not give up because, believe me, there are hundreds of towns out there that would love a group like them, working for the community.
They are few and far between. So, Looe, wake up and appreciate what you have got and let the mums rebuild your community.
Chris Penn
(via email)