SIR — In response to the recent letters that have appeared regarding the packhorse bridge at Allerford, I firstly want to put people's minds at rest and secondly correct some of the comments made.

The bridge is in overall good repair and in no danger of falling down.

Due to its age, the odd stone periodically does come lose and that's what has happened recently.

The agreement between the National Trust and Somerset County Council, who currently have responsibility for the bridge, is being reviewed and we will make the right decision for the bridge and its long term management.

Ultimately the bridge is our responsibility and we will not let it fall into disrepair.

In response to Mr Hitchcox's specific point about the autonomy of Holnicote, it couldn't be further from the truth. We manage all our properties at a local level and the team at Holnicote have the autonomy to manage it and that will remain.

Andrew Mayled,

General Manager,

Holnicote Estate,

National Trust.