IN IAN Kell's letter (May 2, 'Kendal has stagnated') there is a throw-away statement that we would usually ignore: 'Kendal Civic Society would rather see the town and its inhabitants under three feet of water than have their vision of Kendal in aspic disturbed'.

This is such a ridiculous comment, that it demands a response. As if anyone would wish to see a repeat of the destruction and anguish caused by the flooding of 2015.

The society is very keen to see some form of flood defence scheme and is very concerned that the proposed scheme will not protect the town from another 'Storm Desmond'.

To achieve that, the proposed walls would have to be considerably higher and would do irreversible damage to the town's heritage.

For something of such importance, all options need to be explored before we commit to any such scheme and any upstream measures should be considered first and not after the wall has been built.

Mr Kell obviously has no understanding of how much the civic society has given to Kendal since it was founded 60 years ago: the provision of 11 houses in Collin Croft and Kirkland; the instigation and part-funding of the Dockray Bridge; the restoration of Greenside Lime Kiln and the Summerhouse in Serpentine Woods; the involvement with planning applications and the encouragement of good design in building through its annual Design Award.

Add to this the 60 information plaques in the town, the many free guided walks for the public, schoolchildren and local groups, its talks and greatly enjoyed publications.

Its members give many hours of their time, skills, experience and qualifications in decision making on proposed works such as the town hall improvements, the future of New Road and the provision of an effective flood prevention scheme, which will enhance, rather than damage, the town.

Currently, the design and provision of a new path to Nobles Rest from Library Road is taking place, which will make this lovely park even more accessible.

Far from wishing to preserve 'Kendal in aspic', the society's aim is to preserve all that is best from its past and to promote the best in new developments.

It is all too easy to criticise without knowing all the facts.

Patricia Hovey

Recently retired Hon Sec, Kendal Civic Society