AS a regular user of the Kennet and Avon canal and on occasions when berthing at the Wharf, Devizes, one cannot but notice that on at least three occasions each school term week, the adjacent community is disturbed by a dozen or more eight and nine-year- olds who, during the school day, paddle around the Wharf area in canoes, lolling about, either that or doing nothing at all, but at the same time maintaining a continuous screaming during the whole of the time whilst on the water.

They are forever knocking into each other, sitting doing nothing or barging into any narrow-boat happening to be in their way. It is obvious they are learning nothing. An adult occasionally throws a ball into the water for it to be recovered (for what purpose I ask?). It would appear this fiasco requires the supervision of three adults, presumed teachers, paddling around, seemingly enjoying a ‘teach-free period’ and who do nothing either in regard to tuition or in exercising control or maintaining reasonable decorum.

In addition, I understand there is now a large elderly persons’ accommodation adjacent. It appears little, if any, concern is shown to this situation.

Whilst the session in the water itself lasts little more than half an hour, both children and teaching staff have to be away from their desks for at least half a school day.

This is not to mention ongoing costs of conveyance or in the initial costs of canoe purchase, provision of vans with expensive canoe stowage trailers, life-jackets, safety helmets etc.

All of this when just down the road there resides a flourishing Devizes Canoe Club, where I know new members are welcomed and, if they so desire, can pursue the pleasures of canoeing in their own free time at weekends.

I am sure higher educational authorities and indeed parents themselves should be concerned at the high costs and expense involved as well as the complete waste of educational time this venture encompasses.

With this instance and I am sure many others in mind, it is little wonder our educational system has lapsed into the state it now finds itself.

A frustrated council tax payer and one with genuine educational concerns, MARTIN J TRENCHARD LT CDR RN (Rtd), Kennet and Avon Canal