As an English Cricket Board umpire, I can only conclude the two sides need to mediate in the best sporting fashion.

The public open space at Rectory Meadow is a valuable asset to the town and should be protected against damage so everyone – players and the public – can enjoy it.

A six foot high fence is too high and suggests a no-go area but a lower boundary fence (two to three feet high in the traditional white painted timber seen around village green cricket grounds) would stop stray dogs and probably remind trouble makers of the need to respect others' privileges.

The low metal fence at Madgetts Walk has done wonders protecting the plants and flowers around Mere's Mouth.

The success of Diss Cricket Club recently is a wonderful accolade and the club deserves support in maintaining a good standard.

However, this could turn sour if the club insists on protecting the ground at the expense of public support.

P. Sluce,
Champneys Road, Diss

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Diss Cricket Club captain Mike Tooke (Letters, September 19), seems to have misread the preceding week's letters about the Rectory Meadow issue: funding of the cricket pavilion was not mentioned.

He implied that only those active in the cricket club can understand the issue but the 200-plus local people who signed a petition against the proposed fence evidently see things differently.

However, we should instead seek an amicable resolution to the issue.

The cricket club has already installed equipment to deter gathering by their pavilion at night and observation suggests this may be working.

In addition, a secure compound could be put behind the pavilion to store sight screens and other pitch equipment vulnerable to abuse.

The extra police in Diss town centre on Friday nights could include one or two Rectory Meadow visits in their patrol circuits.

Such measures would allow cricket to recommence next year and in future seasons, without permanent damage to the character of this public open space.

J. Bootman,
The Entry, Diss

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I consider myself very lucky because I have had the most wonderful view over the Rectory Meadow for the last 37 years.

But what view will I have when they put up a six-foot fence?

What about the old people's bungalows which overlook the meadow? As many of them can't get out, it would be cruel to take the pleasure of that wonderful view away from them.

The vandalism is not as bad as it is made out. As for litter, most of us residents have cleaned it up before the cricketers get there.
Yes, I do walk my dog on the meadow but I, like many others, always clear up the mess.

I think it will be a tragedy if the fence goes up. It will present a challenge rather than a deterrent to vandals.

The council put up a small fence round the perimeter, what a waste of money as it remained intact for about four weeks.

We the residents live here 52 weeks a year, we don't just visit twice a week for six months of the year.

Carol Nichols,
Skelton Road, Diss