SIR — Re the six roadshows to give people the chance to air their views on the proposed merger of West Somerset and Taunton Deane councils (Free Press January 6), can I appeal to the councils to treat us with some respect.

Williton will not have one of the roadshows. I asked the council why we are not having one and also said I would like us to have a proper meeting on the matter in Williton.

The reply was so insulting I cannot believe this very serious question is being treated in such a manner.

The reply said the councils have organised a number of informal roadshows in various locations in Taunton Deane and West Somerset.

They are informal drop-ins rather than formal sit-down meetings, the purpose of which is to promote the consultation, make information available and answer questions residents and others may have.

It goes on to say that a roadshow has not been arranged in Williton because information about the proposal is available in the main reception at West Somerset Council’s offices throughout the period of the consultation.

The reply says formal events have not been planned because experience from elsewhere has shown that these are not particularly effective in communicating key messages and are often dominated by a small number of vocal individuals at the expense of the majority of the attendees, whereas informal events tend to enable people to have their say and ask questions without having to be confident public speakers or fight to be heard.

It says I can make my views known either using a paper questionnaire available in reception at West Somerset House or online at www.yournewcouncil.org.

I for one want a meeting in the open, above board, so that we know what has been said, not what they want us to hear.

The reply makes me feel the merger has already been decided.

We have had no meeting on Hinkley Point C, no meeting on library closures, and now no meeting on the council merger. It is another erosion of our rights.

Who has the final say on the merger – Taunton or West Somerset? How long will West Somerset exist?

Be very careful what you give away, because we can never get it back.

Jennifer Berry,

North Croft,

Williton.