With regards to the letter Frim driving residents up the wall , Frim's decision to build a three-metre wall around its botanical gardens is indeed staggering and disturbing.

Firstly, what is the purpose of a 'world-class botanical gardens' if it is to be hidden? That is not what Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, London or Singapore do. Rather, the developers and keepers of these gardens set out to enrich the lives and culture of the community by creating and maintaining a shared resource for the enjoyment of all.

The value of such shared resources is inestimable but well-recognised as a means of promoting harmony and well-being among people regardless of position.

Security has been mentioned as a reason for building the wall, but the existence of a deprived or selfish group that would steal flowers from a public garden only reinforces the need for more such gardens to be open to all.

At least, a see-through fence should be considered. World-class gardens usually have such fences painted green or black to minimise visual intrusion into the landscape.

Secondly, the decision to build a solid barrier instead of soft controls such as education and supervision indicates that Frim has not properly considered the need for alternative, more flexible and unobtrusive means of protecting the assets.

How many park rangers could be employed for the cost of the three-metre high wall?

How many signboards and notices could be erected explaining to the public the nature and value of the trees, flowers, birds and insects involved?

Around the world there are heritage groups and friends of parks who visit and help patrol facilities to ensure that no harm is done. Yet Frim seems to be alienating themselves from the immediate community who could play a voluntary protective service.

Frim, please think again.