is it me or do some people just like to moan? If it's not one thing it's another — just stop moaning.

The newly finished canal is a credit to all those who worked on it and have pushed hard for the investment and truly is part of Bude that we can now be proud of. As for the giant chain links placed up and down the length of it I personally think that they are also something to admire — especially the giant ones near Falcon Bridge.

Not only do they provide a point of interest but also a convenient resting place for weary legs and also something for curious younger minds to muse over and maybe provoke some interest rather than just feeding ducks (or should we not do that now for fear of obese ducks etc, etc).

Fair enough, they will look much better once the grass has grown around them and given time to weather as will the canal path once the grass has returned, but as my mother keeps reminding me 'patience is a virtue'.

So please before we start running down and criticizing the newly opened canal please spare a thought for those who have worked hard and carried out such a great job on it, and maybe just step out into the beautiful spring air, take a deep breath, and give thanks for what we have on our doorstep and how lucky we are to live in the glorious North Cornwall area.

Kilkhampton,

Bude.