SIR — I read with interest the letter in your November 5 edition from a supporter of the Bakelite Collection in Williton.

I understand from various reports that the requirements that have been placed upon the curators of the museum have come about from a visit by an off-duty fire officer.

How I would wish to applaud that man or woman for their professionalism. If only all of our public servants showed such diligence in their duties and would take appropriate action when they observe a dangerous condition in their everyday life; that should be worthy of recognition.

Additionally, I would like to say that from what I have experienced of our fire brigade, particularly those from our local stations at Minehead, Williton and Nether Stowey when I, until recently, lived in that area, not a more professional and committed group of individuals could one wish to meet, and I wholeheartedly believe that our community is in safe hands being safe-guarded by them.

These citizens are oncall 24 hours a day to come to the aid of any of us when in distress.

Furthermore, whilst I do understand that this collection has some appeal to a certain group of people, I do not believe that any business manager should be allowed to put people in danger of being unwittingly trapped in a fire in a building that they have paid to enter.

Standards are written for very good reason, often because lives have been lost in buildings and difficult lessons learned from those tragedies. Society applies these standards because we do not want similar tragedies again.

I say to the curators of the Bakelite Collection, please comply with the fair and sensible standards that have been insisted upon by our very professional fire brigade and provide a safe venue for paying visitors just as every other businessman must.

J B Worth,

King Alfred Close,

North Petherton.