Sir, I read with interest last week's letter from James Garside about the impending 10mph speed limit on Windermere.

What a pity that even Cumbrian residents miss one of the fundamental reasons of the Lake District National Park and indeed all national parks; to offer the population of the United Kingdom an area where they can find a wide diversity of experiences that they cannot normally gain in everyday life.

If, as he suggests, we make the whole of the Lake District uniform, Windermere should become Ullswater' was the crux of his letter. Are we not just moving further and further towards blandness and control?

We should be encouraging visitors and residents to explore a variety of interests and respect each other's differences.

That is all that has been asked by the groups opposed to the speed limit on Windermere a managed solution so that the different lake users can co-exist on what is surely England's most beautiful lake. Yes even while wakeboarding it's possible to admire the scenery.

Let's hope that Mr Garside is part of a dying breed that insists that anything they don't agree with should be banned. Anyway Glenridding could do with your trade (winter visitors are most welcome) so keep supporting them and leave Windermere to those who fell in love with it, as it is, years ago.

Jason Dearden, Penrith.

Sir, I think the 10mph speed limit on Windermere is an absolute disgrace.

With 22 other lakes for people who wish for peace and quiet' or to pursue other activities' why choose Windermere if they don't like the power boats and water skiers?

Windermere should be kept purely for the power boats and skiers, as they have nowhere else to go!

The UK are no longer worthy competitors in many sports. Is it any wonder when choices' are being removed from individuals who wish to pursue certain sports!

Can the Lakes sustain the financial loss? And if there is another crisis, such as foot and mouth, there won't be the boating community to support the area.

The government needs to re-consider. The arguments for the limit are weak at best, ludicrous at worst, while the research about overturning the limit is strong and should be influential. Tony Blair - what are you allowing your government to do?

Shirley Young Darlington