Just a temporary solution

SIR - I am a regular user of Instow beach and have, like many others, become concerned about the obvious safety hazard, caused by the sand that has drifted dangerously across the path of passers-by. It is forcing people, including those pushing pushchair

SIR - I am a regular user of Instow beach and have, like many others, become concerned about the obvious safety hazard, caused by the sand that has drifted dangerously across the path of passers-by.

It is forcing people, including those pushing pushchairs and wheelchairs, to walk onto a narrow stretch of busy road, which is often lined with parked cars.

Furthermore, what an appalling impression this must be giving to the visitors and holidaymakers, that our local economy relies upon, who visit our beautiful area throughout the year, not just in the Summer months.

Unfortunately, central and local government's financial mismanagement has resulted in cuts to many local services, which is now literally showing on the ground.

It is affecting the efficiency of many services, which has been further highlighted by the recent extreme weather.

As a concerned local resident, and the English Democrats' Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for North Devon, I decided I could not bury my head in the sand, or get tied up in bureaucracy, writing letters to the council, which has already been tried to no avail.

So last weekend, I decided that action would speak louder than words and took my shovel to the problem instead.

I must say that it was no mean feat for a man of my age: I cleared about a 100 feet of pavement, shovelling about a tonne and a half of sand over a 4ft high wall. However, I was pleased to help my community.

I realise that my efforts are only a temporary solution to this problem, and that the high levels of sand near the wall on the beach must be dealt with, before the next strong winds, to avoid any further problems.

Nigel Vidler,

English Democrats'

Prospective Parliamentary

Candidate for North Devon.