AS a resident of 30 years whose property overlooks Fernyhurst Lake, Rownhams, my neighbours and I have endured a host of illegal activities, from alcohol and drug abuse to foul language and the violation of bylaws.

I have lost count of the times I have seen youths using a neighbour's hedge as a toilet.

When we first arrived here, we were plagued by yobs to such an extent that bylaws were passed in the hope that law and order would prevail.

I remember a police officer saying "They won't be allowed to even breathe by the lake'' - an overstatement but how naïve we were to believe that all our troubles would be solved by the strong arm of the law.

The parish council report for May gives the impression that all is rosy. I quote from the chairman's report: "This is the third year that we have been policed from Romsey and I can report that the improvements experienced in terms of response times, communication and police involvement in our village have been first class''.

Is that Nursling because it certainly isn't my part of Rownhams?

While I writing this, I glanced out and saw a police officer talking to illegal fishermen. Did he confiscate their fishing tackle, did he move them on? No, they are still there.

DISENCHANTED RESIDENT OF ROWNHAMS.