Tuesday April 25 at 7.30pm in the Quaker Meeting Room will be the opportunity for all residents to ask their questions on local issues at the annual town meeting held by Minehead Town Council.

In past years, attendance has been somewhat underwhelming, which is a shame, as the 1972 Local Government Act only allows members of the public this form of direct democracy for parish and town councils, not for district or county councils.

Registered electors can ask any questions of the council on local matters or make suggestions.

Remember that it will be a meeting of and for the public, not a council meeting, so please turn up and bring your questions along.

Finally, I am required by the council’s protocols to state that I am writing as a private resident of Minehead and not as a town councillor !

John Malin, Quay Street, Minehead.