I agreed with most of what James Greed said about security in our parks (Letters, November 22) but nobody seems to be mentioning what most of us grew up with - the good oldfashioned park keeper or "parkie".

I often feel in parks that it needs a person to set standards and explain acceptable behaviour and to react to what is happening and nip bad behaviour in the bud before it spirals out of control. By the time the police get there it is always too late and what is needed, is someone on the spot.

It seems ridiculous to spend millions on maintaining and refurbishing our parks and then leave them unattended - maybe a bit more spent on a parkkeeper would save money in the long run, in terms of replacing and repairing vandalised property.

It would also make a better facility for all of us to enjoy, rather than the minority to ruin.

  • Bruce Lindfield, Dyke Road Drive, Brighton