SIR — Whilst it was a definite bonus for Exmoor to be featured as the main item on last Sunday evening's BBC1 Countryfile, it did leave some of us who live on the moor with a sense that the programme had failed to give a true picture of what is really going on up here on Exmoor.

I am not sure that any outsider would have come away feeling informed of the real situation when it comes to affordable housing.

For instance, the vast majority of people who are in need of affordable housing actually live or would like to live in one of the villages close to the shops and the school, rather than out on the moor, and indeed those that have applied fall into this bracket.

The needs of the actual villagers are a different matter to log cabins for surplus family members of those out on farms.

As far as I am aware, the programme makers did not get in touch with any of the local councils, nor did they give a mention to the local housing association.

The idea of the national park authority to pull down the house and buildings at Blackpitts can only be described as a misdirected plan instigated by those out of touch with the moor and out of touch with those who live in the area.

This plan has done considerable damage to the reputation of the park authority which will take a long time to restore.

However, as a local resident and as a member of Exford Parish Council involved in getting the Exford affordable housing underway, I would say that though it is not always easy to understand the planning decisions of the national park planning office, it must be said that when it comes to getting affordable housing underway they have given us every help.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating and our first nine dwellings are currently under construction in Exford and will be ready for occupation by Christmas this year.

Robin Ashburner,

Exford.