SIR — I saw an interesting report in the Free Press entitled ‘£500,000 facelift for the future – funding bid planned for Enterprising Minehead’ (January 20).

I read of the vision of a “better place, better experience, better prospects” and “tourism is the key criterion”.

I have made a number of visits to Minehead in recent years and thought some views of a visitor (tourist) might be of interest.

I was last in Minehead in January and was then only partially mobile, with no access to personal transport. I found my ability to move around the area was very limited and disappointing for a town with so much of interest, especially in its surroundings with the sea and Exmoor.

I realise that I came in winter, but perhaps mobility is more important then than in the summer when being on the beach becomes more of an option.

I think the bus routes need some revision. It is possible to access Taunton and the towns and villages along the way via the excellent half-hourly bus service but, beyond this, travel is much harder.

I noted a roadside remarking ‘Minehead – Gateway to Exmoor’ but access to the moor is virtually impossible without a car!

I tried to get to Porlock, hoping to get to Porlock Weir and have lunch there before returning to the village to look around and maybe spend some money before taking a later bus back to Minehead. That option is only possible with a three-hour stay at the Weir, which is somewhat overlong at this time of year.

The rather poor service must be a problem for many local people as well. At least I gather this previously threatened service is now to continue for a while rather than be withdrawn.

I found no service giving me access to Exmoor, the Doone Valley, Lynmouth or Lynton.

I am well aware that we are living through tough times financially and that there are many burdens on councils’ budgets but, with careful publicity, I would hope that some sort of wider transport service could be arranged, perhaps with buses going in both directions, maybe on one or two days a week, alternating between some of the outstanding areas of interest and beauty, so visiting further afield becomes more of a practicality.

At present, the situation does not encourage me to see Minehead as a tourist destination. It appeared more the end of the line from Taunton, and better transport services could encourage more visitors in winter so it becomes more of a year-round attraction.

The report carried a remark from Corinne Matthews [West Somerset Council’s regeneration manager] that businesses needed to be supported more.

When visiting as a tourist, I find it interesting to see local shops with local goods that are unique to the venue, such as bakers, local craftsmen and their wares, and Exmoor goods on display.

However, as with other small towns, the rates charged on small shops are so high that traders struggle to make any income, which is a real disincentive to starting up.

I realise these are criticisms but I hope they are constructive and, better, even helpful.

Mrs R Robards,

Hexham,

Northumberland.