I READ with interest about the 'obnoxious' water foisted upon the poor villagers of Bere Alston.

However, Bere Alston is a big place and whilst acknowledging that what Vic Gardner reports is undoubtedly true and the grievance completely justified, the part of Bere Alston where I live is completely unaffected. Not a floating fish in sight and the other occupants have always been like this!

One wonders at the actual percentage of villagers that suffered this scourge? Is Bere Alston really a place to be shunned in case of mass poisoning or was that actually just one isolated incident? My point being that it only takes a little spark to start a fire.

As a nation we seem to have stopped just grumbling about the weather and seem to want to gripe about everything else. Bere Alston, for example, seems to have been on the receiving end of a lot of negativity of late. Where's our village pride? Bere Alston is a peaceful, yet busy and thriving community. There's lots for everyone, several clubs and societies, a post office, shops, including what must be the biggest second hand book shop in the area.

A pub and social club, a school that is heralded as one of the best around, a magnificent church and several examples of interesting architecture which reflect its mining heritage.

Situated in such a stunning area, this village has such a lot to offer. It is a wonderful place to live – murky water or otherwise.  No offence intended to Vic Gardner, I just wanted to redress the balance. 

Viv Fisher

Drakes Park

Bere Alston