SIR — At first glance Mr Lushwood's letter (Free Press December 17), castigating the residents of North Hill doesn't merit a response, but after a snowed in afternoon and a bottle or two of the red stuff, I've decided to let my inhibitions go and put a very shaky pen to paper.

I'm so impressed that Mr Lush (sorry, Lushwood) works for a living and lives within his means. I've lived on North Hill for five years and guess what - me and everyone I have met has contributed to society. Indeed the majority still do, either through paid work or voluntarily.

People of all ages and walks of life live here and in my late 60s I concede I'm amongst the oldest and that after a lifetime of excessive boozing we're bound to look a lot older to this pious gentleman.

Might I suggest that instead of sadly counting empty bottles on his morning walk he takes time to take in the beautiful scenery and starts his day with a smile.

He won't meet many of us residents - most of us lie in until the paracetamol do their job and then stay behind our automatic gates, keeping away from nosey parkers.

Delivery vans? I don't see many and suggest Nick doesn't recognise us at the supermarket - you see we don't wear badges and also buy when there's a 25 per cent discount. It's better to buy in bulk you see!

I hope your readers will realise I have written very much tongue in cheek and that I shan't have AA knocking on my door, but get a life Nick, the odd tipple might make you a little less sanctimonious. I've made light of your letter but I know a lot of people feel insulted and angry.

To close, you say you live in Greater Minehead. May I point out that residents of North Hill live in Higher Town, presumably so named because of the hill.

Or it could be they have a higher regard for the freedom of choice and higher morals than those who make uninformed judgements in the press of good caring people they have never met and are never likely to know.

Jill Cawsey,

Minehead.