The uncompromising attitude of East Preston Cricket Club was highlighted by the responses of Dr Tim Kimber and the club captain Steve Bennett to Mr Lemin's complaint of the continual danger posed by flying cricket balls.

As a recent neighbour of Mr and Mrs Lemin in the adjoining cottage, I can give witness to a number of instances where we were put at risk.

The most terrifying was when the cricket club had folded back the protective netting for winter, only to commence the new season's play without setting the netting in place.

Our three grandchildren were visiting and playing in the garden when a cricket ball landed at full pelt in their midst. When my husband went to complain he was ridiculed for expressing

his anger and fears at such irresponsible conduct.

But for the intervention of fellow players, one young cricketer would have assaulted him.

I am appalled that a family doctor like Mr Kimber can take such a self-interested view and say that, for the sake of his cricket, nearby residents and children can be put at risk of long-term injury should they be hit on the head.

As the club has declared it has no intention of trying to resolve the matter in a gentlemanly manner, it is now incumbent upon the parish council to accept that, no matter how high the netting is, it is impossible to provide residents with a situation of "reasonable risk".

-Mrs SE Dunning, Rustington