In response to Adele Winston's letter (No more meddling', November 29), regarding the locking of gates at the Old Court House Recreation Ground, I would like to say that Mrs Winston has obviously not visited the park on a frequent basis with any young children.

If she had, she would have been appalled and disgusted at the quantity of broken glass, mainly concentrated in the children's play area, and the litter scattered everywhere except in the many bins provided. Every morning when I visited the play area with my four-year-old, I would have to collect the beer cans, wine bottles (sometimes half-full) and rubbish so as to make the area soft for the children.

I fully support the locking of the park gates, after all, why do these youths need to socialise in the park in the late evening anyway?

I'm not against people having fun, but not at the expense of the safety of our children and our property.

Y Abdul

The Drive, High Barnet

December 12, 2001 18:00