As a Kingsbridge resident of only two years, I was horrified to discover that the South Hams District Council wishes to destroy this little gem of a town – aiming to turn it into another nondescript ‘blob’ amidst the growing mass of concrete in a once green and pleasant land, which used to be called the English countryside.

Out of the 10 images displayed for our delectation on the public consultation questionnaire, I would recommend none.

They reflect the design of numerous quayside developments all over the country.

In particular, Newcastle, where pubs and eating places rule the waves.

However, we are looking at a city where nightlife is the prime motivator for such developments. I cannot see Kings­bridge reaching such dizzying heights.

The priorities to consider should be making Kings­bridge a greener environment. There’s a need for an abundance of grass areas, not granite. With far more seating arrangements situated alongside the embankment, together with the retention of most trees.

The sheer joy of being able to sit and relax without having to stare at rows of shops, bistros and pubs was the prime factor for selecting Kingsbridge as a place to live. Visitors come here every year because it’s a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of larger towns and cities.

This has been echoed by people who come from far afield. By developing the quayside simply for commercial reasons, the district council will destroy the feelgood factor of this community, which is bringing in the visitors.

The idea of getting rid of the bus station is ludicrous. It needs to be preserved as it stands but with decent shelters and improved lighting. Perhaps an attractive building housing delightful tearooms, information office and toilets to attract tourists and locals alike.

One of the district councillors suggested having buses pulling up at a lay-by. I wonder what the general approval rate of that would be?

As to one woman’s comment indicating there were hardly any buses using the bus station, my response was, what planet is she living on? Not planet Kingsbridge, that’s for sure. I personally rely on the buses, having no other mode of transport.

Then there are the glorious Kingsbridge in Bloom areas. Would they be trampled into obscurity for the sake of monetary gratification?

The demographics indicate that the current over-60s population of Kingsbridge is around 33 per cent, which would point to a non-viability for certain commercial companies.

I would suggest that being busy three months a year is not a profit-making enterprise for any financially driven institutions.

If the council is set on bringing more business into the area, how about persuading M&S to open a foodhall and retail outlet – a godsend to people who cannot get to Plymouth or find the bus journey to The Willows too demanding.

As to the topic of cafes and restaurants; there are ample eating places and sufficient public houses for such a small community. It requires no additional buildings to stand empty for the major part of the year, mirroring all the second homes in this area.

The council should take the blame for allowing this state of affairs to get so out of hand. I note that Totnes has retained its character, more or less, so why can’t Kingsbridge.

With suggested proposals regarding the removal of the roundabout, many people have indicated that a series of traffic lights would create more congestion than the present system. This has been attempted in other areas and the decisions reversed after an experimental period, creating an additional expense for the locals.

The moot point in these so-called discussions is whether the district council will listen to suggestions or continue with their plans with total disregard to the consequences of any ill- judged decisions.

Perhaps there should be more public meetings involving the local council and our MP.

Ms A Ackerman

Windsor Court

Kingsbridge