SIR - I am writing as a resident of Glenisla Terrace, which faces the Ham play-park. You may have been aware of an increase in late night, early hours anti-social behaviour in the park since the new design was put in place.

You may not be aware, however, that I placed several laminated signs, designed by Robert Crick, on the fence around the play area, simply asking users to be mindful of the people who live near the park, particularly after 10 o’clock at night.

Although these signs have long since been ripped off the fence, I do feel they made a difference to the behaviour of some users at the time and they certainly raised an awareness of our ‘plight’ amongst the general public. I heard many passers-by expressing surprise that anyone should be in the park after 10 o’clock at night. Indeed, we often have several groups being very noisy at different times during the night, most regularly at 3am, which is the time of the night club closing at weekends.

On reading in the Sidmouth Herald that a permanent sign is due to be erected to name the park, I could see this would be an ideal opportunity to state some basic ground rules for its use; namely, to show due respect to local residents.

Tracey Scott

9 Glenisla Terrace, Sidmouth