Benches before books

SIR – A strategic placement of memorial benches (Letters, March 16) can be a great help to those with mobility problems.

Some years ago I was delighted to find that by going from bench to bench I could actually walk round the whole lake at my local nature reserve. To my great disappointment two of the benches were soon removed, not to be replaced.

I was told that there were maintenance problems and that people were being encouraged instead to donate money to the library in the public centre for the reserve. A book in the centre did not have the same appeal for me as a bench from which to observe nature first hand. Heather Burnet

North Hykeham, Lincolnshire

SIR – As contented sponsors of a plaque on Swanage Pier, it is a joy to collect the polish, toothbrush and cloth from the gateman and give our plaque its annual spring clean.

The polishing kit is free, and the pier admission charge is quite acceptable, shown under the description “strolling”.

Mary and David Allestree

Derby