Alan Spencer, of Priory Gardens, Burnham-On-Sea, Somerset, writes: I write regarding the subject of the town flagpole and its near neighbour the Old Dartmothians' flagpole, two flagpoles owned and cared for by two different organisations. In the article 'Two flagpoles are not needed', Dartmouth Chronicle, February 13, a council spokesman stated of the situation surrounding the damaged flagpole: 'We have now removed it entirely because the Old Dartmothians have already put up a new flagpole within 30 feet of the old one, so it's no longer needed.' I would like to remind the town council that the Old Dartmothians erected a flagpole on that site in 1928 and the corporation erected the town flagpole at around the same time. HG Middleton Blacksmiths made both tabernacles for the two poles. It is my belief that the Old Dartmothians have maintained and renewed their flagpole ever since. From this flagpole they fly their organisation's flag and that of the ladies' section; they also fly Saints Day flags and the Union Flag on royal occasions and birthdays as recognition from their organisation. I am surprised that the town council has not made a statement about replacing the town flagpole. Surely it is a matter of civic pride. The idea of the council using the Old Dartmothians' flagpole smacks of 'my bike is broken, but it doesn't matter, because you have one, so I'll ride yours'.