SIR — I am pleased district council leader Stephen Pugsley has responded quickly to heed local opinion and to allay widespread public concern over regeneration plans for the key sites in Minehead. It remains imperative our district council presses ahead with investment and regeneration in our area's only town, but only by implementing plans and proposals that have the full backing of the people. For some time I have actively supported, through policy research, the village parish councils in their efforts to achieve an equitable affordable housing policy, seemingly against the entrenched views of some council officers. I therefore welcome the appointment of Cllr Bryan Leaker as deputy leader. He has shown a willingness to listen, understand and advocate justified change, in helping to secure amendments to key criteria that will allow for an appropriate mix of commercially viable general market and affordable homes to be built in our villages. As the recent 'non' vote in France demonstrates, real democracy is only effective when councillors, officers and the people work in partnership, not against one another, to achieve commonly agreed goals. The days of 'government', whether at European, national or district level, arrogantly functioning on the basis of 'we know what is best for you' must become a thing of the past. But it remains in all our interests to help West Somerset District Council become a 'good' council, contributing as we are able. Roy Harbour, Delmore, Crowcombe.