WE were disappointed, but not entirely surprised, to read (Times, July 1) of the comments of the chairman of Lifton Parish Council that ?Local communities should take priority over horse riders?.

While we are sure that it was not the intention, this statement is divisive and unhelpful and we would respectfully invite the chairman to reconsider his position.

Horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians are for the most part very much members of the local community, contributing to and participating in a wealth of local activities that enrich our wonderful local environment.

We are also car drivers, work in the local community and can fully appreciate and understand the problems raised by Lifton Parish Council.

In entering an informed and sensible debate over the West Devon Drive let us do so in a spirit of understanding and tolerance. Devon County Council is to be applauded for consulting as widely as possible before proceeding.

Over the past few years there have been some appalling accidents involving horse riders, which may well have been avoidable by the provision of relatively simple and low-cost measures, which would have inconvenienced no-one.

Surely, it is in all our interests to prevent these terrible tragedies in the future by taking into account the needs of the whole community?

Richard Leonard

South West Riders

Press and publicity officer

Thorndon Cross