THE Duke of Westminster is reputed to be Britain's richest man. He owns land in the Forest of Bowland and vast tracts of uncultivated land in East Lancashire.

He has claimed exemption from inheritance tax in return for public access to this property, but he remains hostile to ramblers on his land and it is very difficult to take advantage of it.

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice has called on the Government to create a statutory 'right to roam' (LET, February 2). I wish him every success.

In these drug-ridden days, when even responsible people are calling for the possession and use of drugs to be decriminalised, isn't it time that we rid ourselves of the drug-mentality?

The cry of many youngsters today is: "We have nothing to do." I suggest that there is plenty for them to do. There are sports clubs, rambling clubs, cycling clubs. They could go camping, join the Youth Hostel Association, have a go for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, or just roam, and explore the countryside.

It is to the shame of the Duke of Westminster and rich landowners that they discourage us peasants from enjoying 'their' land, for was it not largely us common folk who kept those at bay who, 50 years ago, would have robbed them of their estates?

C A BAKEWELL. St James' Road, Blackburn.

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