IT WAS with concern that I read A Traversa’s letter regarding the Friends of Queen’s Park Picnic in the Park, and the use of motor vehicles to reload and clear away the stalls that had supported the event (The Argus, July 7).

We are sorry that he felt his complaint was not dealt with sympathetically.

This picnic is an annual event, free to all, organised by the Friends with the intention of promoting a sense of community and bringing together families and park users through a festive occasion.

The feedback we have had over the years is that it is highly-valued and positively received. It’s enjoyed and appreciated by the community.

Inevitably such an event will cause some disruption to the normal usage of the park and we rely on the goodwill of those who have enjoyed the entertainment provided to overlook any temporary inconvenience caused.

Before the picnic can take place we are required to secure consent from Brighton and Hove City Council to proceed.

Part of our application contains notification for vehicle use in respect of stallholders and organisation of the event.

It is not, therefore, our decision alone, but ratified by the council for this yearly event.

It would be both unreasonable and impractical not to allow stallholders’ vehicles access in setting up and dismantling their stalls, but we try our best to keep any inconvenience to a minimum.

Vehicle access to the park is limited to one of the seven access points and vehicles only need to cross over a small part of the south lawn to reach their stalls, leaving the majority of the park vehicle free.

We have had many favour-able comments about our events this summer and it would be a pity if A Traversa’s negative comments cast a shadow on what has been a happy and successful season.

Jackie Lovesey, vice chair, Friends of Queen’s Park, West Drive, Brighton