SIR - Ah, the rarified atmosphere of Withycombe, the village taken over by rich incomers! But if we all had the wherewithal to go and live there, would we really wish to? I doubt it very much, judging by last week's letter (June 29) from Meg Sunningdale, a resident of that esteemed place.

Let me comment on the anti-Butlins remarks made by one of the highly biased inhabitants (who probably visit Minehead only very occasionally - and even then on a very high horse.)

Firstly, Butlins has been part of our town (not yours) for a very, very long time; and in that time, it has continually improved, and brought much prosperity to Minehead. It has also provided good cheap holidays to people not so fortunate in life as yourself - there but the grace of God springs to mind - so please be a little tolerant of others who perhaps can only afford one holiday a year, and rely on Butlins to provide it.

But also be very mindful of the money these people spend in the town throughout the year; without which our town (not yours) would undoubtedly die a lingering death. To say that we would prosper without them is a complete misnomer, and comes from one who obviously has no idea of how 'the other half' live.

Further comments in the letter just become facetious in the extreme. Speeding cars clogging the A39 - this is a holiday resort, dear, they have to get here, so get used to it; and I've never come across this phenomena of clogging and speeding at the same time. Oh, and buses full of 'adult weekenders' taking up all the seats on buses! So the answer seems to be either walk here, or preferably don't come at all. But certainly don't cycle, as she uses the cycle path, and that is dangerous enough as it is.

I could go on; that 'blue and white monstrosity' she refers to is actually quite pleasing to the eye, and I have never come across anyone complaining about it - especially from one so far away as Withycombe. Her high horse must be even higher than I thought to be able to see it from that distance. If it displeases you, then don't look! Just like the wonderful fireworks and air displays that Butlins so generously provide (and bring thousands of people flocking here); if you object to them, stay away - but don't complain. Just try to see further than Withycombe and the end of your nose. Not everything is provided for the first person singular.

Butlins is a great asset to our (not your) town, bringing in much-needed money and providing hundreds of much-needed jobs. Of course, for one from Withycombe, the jobs would be far too menial - oh, the very thought!

Just as an afterthought, there is also a cinema that everyone can use, and a wonderful swimming pool open to all residents of Minehead; I know, because I use it twice a week. Long may Butlins stay here, and the town prosper by its presence!

Ray Brooker (Non-whingeing incomer of 13 years standing),

Minehead.