Vices and Devizes
From John Stott Sir: David Lovibond tells us that drugs and drink have turned Devizes into a place of incoherent rage (Town and out', 11 October). I have lived in Devizes for four years and the only 'incoherent rage' I have experienced is mine when I read his piece. If there is such a thing as a farrago of codswallop this is it. Mr Lovibond has a vivid and extremely nasty imagination. I have never come across boozed-up teenagers in broad daylight, beggars at cash dispensers, mugged tourists, burnt-out cars, blizzards of litter, bikes ridden through pedestrians or indeed the stink of piss in the alleys. Nor have I ever felt that an 'unwise glance' would transform my head into a 'red cap of blood'. There are noisy louts about at night, but no more than in any other town. When we arrived a neighbour described Devizes as a kindly place. I have had no reason to question her judgment.
John Stott
Devizes, Wiltshire
From Janet Cole Sir: David Lovibond's piece on Devizes opened old wounds. Our family lived in Devizes from 1986 until 1999. Our sons were educated at the comprehensive school and both went on to study business at good universities. Both, on separate occasions while on vacation from university, were beaten up by local yobs who appeared to take offence at the sight of students enjoying a drink in one of the local inns.
Both vow never to revisit the town, Fortunately, we no longer live there.
Janet Cole
Cirencester, Gloucestershire
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