I note your report last week that East Devon District Council is trying to get rid of the SOS noticeboard in Old Fore Street by claiming it is unsightly and a hazard to delivery lorries!

This is a pedestrianised street after all.

It shows EDDC is on the back foot over its planning policy for Sidmouth when it tries to stifle free speech.

We think we live in a democracy but in Sidmouth we might as well be living in Putin’s Russia.

Les Cotton

Bennett’s Hill

Sidmouth

Editor’s note: The Herald reported that Sidmouth Town Council recommended the sign be removed, saying the sign was ‘unsightly and detrimental to the street scene’.

EDDC is set to make a decision in the next few weeks.