SIR — In March this year you published our letter drawing attention to the dilapidated state of the old Threshers shop and asking for support from residents to pressurise the local authorities and the letting agents into action to improve the appearance.

We know that readers did write and continued to take an interest, and it is very pleasing to be able to say that the site is now both cleaner and being put to good use for the town.

It seems that local councils do not have any statutory powers to "persuade" neglectful owners, but our councils acted to exert influence and one of the agents – Steve Cullis of Williams Gunther Hardwick - advised their client to improve the site.

As a result of the continuing efforts by us and other residents, both local councils, the chamber of commerce, the West Somerset Railway, and the Exmoor Producers Association, under the aegis of the Minehead Community Trust, the windows of the property are now backed by a good picture of the former hospital and information on how we can all help to create a community site.

The overall effect is a huge improvement in the appearance of the shop, although a nit-picker might regret the lack of cover over the door.

In a slightly different context, it is very good to see that the community trust with its colleague organisations has now covered the windows of the former Blockbusters shop by providing attractive posters of Exmoor and Minehead, thus avoiding a repeat of the Threshers debacle.

Can we be lucky enough to believe that this initiative might be repeated on all other prominent empty shops, both current and future? We are sure the whole town and its visitors would approve and benefit.

Congratulations to everyone who is making Minehead look more attractive again!

Paul and Jenny Hart,

Parkhouse Road,

Minehead.