SIR — Your report last week on the issue of Dulverton’s crumbling church wall and the lack of consensus regarding its planned restoration did not come as a surprise (we have been dealing with this debacle for the past two years).

However, the prominent involvement of the South West Heritage Trust (SWHT) did.

It is well known in Dulverton that the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) decided not to oppose Dulverton Town Council’s initial planned solution to the dangerously deteriorated church wall (a situation which is only worsening with procrastination).

However, the SWHT has opposed this decision.

The SWHT also recommended the earlier installation of Dunster’s unpopular blue lias limestone stone paving using the reason that it was “local stone”.

Despite being aware of all the reservations expressed as to this stone’s suitability (eg evidence procured during a earlier site visit to Sherborne Castle where the paving stone was seen in situ, not a local stone and judged inappropriate), the recommendation remained unchanged and its implementation went ahead regardless.

The mayhem surrounding Dunster village and these issues continues to this day.

Now we read of a similar situation involving such closed-mindedness occurring in Dulverton in relation to the crumbling church wall.

Who pays these bills but an already overstretched town council and, by extension, the taxpayer?

Those professionals giving such advice need to be held accountable and responsible for their advice. The taxpayers and Somerset County Council at the very least are due a public apology from South West Heritage Trust.

One can only hope that questions are being asked regarding the situation’s handling and furthermore the credibility of such advisors should be seriously considered before heeding such advice in future.

Dunster - OK we are where we are and we need a solution that is attractive and safe, but let’s do it right this time and not repeat the mayhem that has been Dunster and repeat it in Dulverton.

S Cottrell,

Dulverton.