SIR — As it is with our present government so it appears to be with West Somerset District Council — they do not listen to the electorate.

For the past three years the people of Bicknoller, through their parish council, have tried in vain to have the licence granted for a mobile snack bar revoked, rescinded, cancelled, call it what you will.

West Somerset District Council has consistently ignored and flouted the wishes of the residents of Bicknoller.

Indeed, it was not until the arrival on the scene of Barbara Child as a district councillor that the residents had someone who would actually listen to their complaints.

I query the position taken by the district council that it is their responsibility to find a new location for the trader in question to pursue his business.

If I ran a shop-based cafe (licensed by the council) and my licence was revoked, would the council consider it's their responsibility to find me a new location from which to operate? I think not and I should be interested to know the legal origin of this alleged responsibility and why the council feel that it might be obliged to spend £30,000 - £40,000 of taxpayers' money to improve a lay-by in order to facilitate a private business man.

I note that the trader, Mr Nicolaou, has offered a substantial sum for a hard standing and road marking. Does this sum also include money for the maintenance of grass verges which are ever being eroded and the constant nuisance to residents?

This snack bar has been licensed to operate on a public road (not a lay-by as implied). The road would appear to have been adopted and has been given a name, Quantockside. It was also the route for the old A358 prior to road improvement.

Thus it can by no means be considered a lay-by although I would be the first to admit that it looks like one — (whose fault is that?).

Finally, I wonder what my chances are of being given a licence to operate a snack bar on the road outside my house in Woolston. I feel that we all know the answer to that.

Keith Barnes,

Ex-vice-chairman,

Bicknoller Parish Council.