David Clark was inconsistent in his Slapton article last week. He stated the south westerly storms undermined Hallsand’s village; following with the tale of the 1927 gale which demolished most of the houses.

In the last 60 years, in my memory, it was always a westerly storm which did the damage to the western end of every village.

Mr Clark did not mention the vanished village at Strete Gate, washed out in the 17th centuary.

As well as the 19th centuary dredging, l believe there is the change in the prevailing wind direction which affects the movement of shingle. Currently it appears to be more easterly.

Off St Malo, the city is protected with stout stakes driven into the sea bed some way out, aligned with the shore, to break the force of the waves.

Come to that, Selsey Bill and Brighton have breakwaters.

Judith Hilditch

East Portlemouth