REF the proposed centre for Adolescent Rehabilitation at Burdon Grange, Highampton:-

May I introduce myself to Mr David Richards (Letters, June 28), the man who assumes (and you know what they say about to assume — makes an ass of you and me) that the whole community of Highampton is opposed to the proposed centre.

I live in Highampton and when I attended the first meeting it was clear he had by his leaflet (emotive in his own admission, verging on seditious in my view) whipped up the opposition to levels far beyond that of the simple Nimbys.

Of course, there are risks — risk is part of life — you could have your car stolen from anywhere. If half of the intake do not complete the course, then half do and that is a valuable life change.

Can Mr Richards be absolutely confident that none of his friends or relatives would ever be grateful for a second chance for their sons and daughters who tripped over the law? But of course, they wouldn't tell him would they?

No, Mr Richards, you can keep your closed mind, I wouldn't oppose sharing this beautiful landscape in the hope that some of the inmates can have a second chance.

Linda Slade

Beacon Down

Highampton