IT has been brought to our attention that a local resident has become concerned about the Bere Alston Bowls Club displaying 'Private Property' notices alongside its main entrance gate.

We gather their concern is that we might be denying anyone the right to use the public footpath, which runs from the corner of Woolacombe Road, across part of our land to the path skirting behind the rear garden of the bungalow Dol-Coed.

Let me put this concern to rest. We have no intention of denying people access to the public footpath. Indeed it is the Bowls Club that maintains much of the path and the gates.

Our concern is to stop motorists driving through our entrance gate, trespassing onto our land and leaving their vehicle unattended. This has caused considerable inconvenience to our members, who have suffered unnecessary delays in vacating the premises, as they have been unable to lock the gates before leaving the club. Indeed the police suggested the introduction of the Private Property notices — better this than locking somebody's car inside the gates for, maybe, several days!

The Bowls Club welcomes the sight of walkers crossing our field using the legitimate entrances and exits and we trust these few words will set everyone's mind to rest.

Bryan Hamilton

Bere Alston Bowls Club secretary