Extracts from letters published in the Sidmouth Herald and concerning the effects of Peoples Network computers on the ambience of Sidmouth library. August 2004.

I am entitled to reply to Messrs Bridgman and Purkiss (letters 6 Aug). Letting gardens 'go back to Mother Nature' is ecologically beneficial. Many books and quality websites extol the virtues of 'weeds'. These native plants have been comprehensively destroyed on most farmland and in too many gardens. Mine has over 100 species growing in harmony - compare that to a prissy sterile hanging basket.

You cannot just plant a wildflower meadow. Ground fertility usually needs to be reduced. Allowing grass to grow and cropping it is a good start. Mr Purkiss also seems to be unaware of university research showing that the dreaded Leylandii is supremely efficient in filtering particulate pollution - just what you need beside a road with so little traffic.

Maybe both gentlemen should visit Sidmouth Library. Amidst all the soppy novels they might find a few books worth reading - but somehow I doubt it. Too much money has been spent on computers costing £4000 each, the use of which has turned this once quiet haven of tranquility and learning into a cross between a noisy zoo and a frenetic playpen.

10 August 2004

Had Mr Bridgman already studied my website he would know that I am not at all anti-children in libraries, merely against hoards of semi-literate games-playing, emailing 'adults' who have been encouraged by the 'social inclusion' policies of the Blair government to destroy the quiet ambience and tranquility that used to be so valued by both children and intelligent adults. The on-going degradation of the UK library service was summarised in a recent report. It stated that many library staff are now in 'sufferance mode' - look it up on my website Mr Bridgman - and I didn't write it.

If Mr Bridgman does not own a computer he could use one in the library - if he can hear himself think above the din of library staff shouting to make themselves heard amidst the enveloping cacophony.

Finally, science is all about argument, deciding what is rubbish and what can be supported by facts and logical deduction. Sometimes, in sleepy self-centred Sidmouth for example, it can be appropriate to use a stick to prod sensitive parts. At least the slumbering beast will awake, even if it refuses subsequently to learn.