SIR — My advice to people contemplating a response to something that annoys them is always to give themselves time to reflect. On this occasion, I am so incensed and so sure of what I want to say that I'll ignore my own advice. In a week when many people in Minehead were celebrating a good day for the RNLI - and therefore for our town - you reported what went wrong when someone tried to support the fundraising effort and simultaneously take a small step towards raising the profile of Minehead as somewhere worth coming to. For the record, Nick Messarra did indeed come up with the initial idea of extra attractions — well done Nick — but a small group of people committed to doing things to improve our local economy were also heavily involved. Vicky, Wendy, Sue, Annette and Phil, you deserve a huge thank you for all the time and effort you put in and consolation for the fact that so much of your effort was thwarted by events completely beyond your control. And what about the other musicians? In addition to the West Somerset Community College band, there were five other acts waiting to perform. Having been involved personally in the planning of the concert, I am extremely embarrassed that a number of people prepared to give a free concert and, in some case, prepared to travel from Bristol, were unable to perform. To them, and the college band, I offer my sincerest and public apology on behalf of all who asked them to perform. The main thrust of your report seems to be that Nick Messarra had been told exactly what was necessary for the concert to proceed but failed to do all the things that needed to be done. I know from personal experience that Nicky is often difficult to pin down on details but the comments your report quotes most certainly do not tell the whole story. I was personally involved with some parts of the arrangements and so have something to add in the interests of completely apolitical fairness to the mayor. On enquiry of West Somerset District officials, it most certainly was not made clear that the Blenheim Gardens entertainment licence was restricted to specific events. Indeed, I was given information suggesting that at least two venues that provided entertainment on the day did not have entertainment licences. I asked for advice from a district council official on public liability insurance requirements for the concerts. Had that person called back with the promised answer, there would not have been a three-day delay in obtaining the insurance and providing a certificate for inspection only at the last minute. Even then, I'm not altogether sure how long it can take to review a single page document from the leading provider of event insurance, even at the last minute. I spoke with the council official who requested the insurance certificate twice during the week preceeding the abortive concert. On neither occasion did that official mention the fact that an entertainment licence and risk assessment was still outstanding. I refuse to name names because there's nothing to be gained beyond alienating even more people, but all those involved in promoting and organising the additional events have learned some very tough lessons for future events - and don't doubt that they're all prepared to try again. And what's the lesson from all this and all the other recent shenanigans? I believe that this town is dying and will continue to decline for as long as people can get no further than shouting at one another. Until local attitudes reverse completely, ie we celebrate efforts and achievements while learning from failures and we discover how to work together towards workable compromises, this town's future looks increasingly bleak. Nicholas C James, James Accounting Ltd, Blenheim Mews, Minehead.