My lovely husband and I brought up a family of four successfully, something to be proud of knowing the problems parents have these days.

Queens Park, before it started to spoil, was perfect for teaching children gentle, character-building ways with the animals and birds.

A favourite place was the lake, and my daughter's children love feeding the ducks. However, it is in trouble. The stream hasn't run for months and is filthy and the lake's water level is dangerously low.

Expensive goalposts and a marked pitch were installed but only lasted five minutes and caused trouble. The big boys apparently pushed the small boys off. Before there was a marked pitch, they all played amicably.

Unfortunately, authority in the park has declined. The beautiful bowling green has been spoilt by football-players and the teams have now gone.

The playground is fine but the rest is spoiling. Don't let the lake die. It is important to the beauty of the park. Children and people of all ages love it.

Please save Queen's Park lake.

-Mrs Evelyn Mckenzie-Brown, Queens Park Terrace, Brighton