SIR — I am replying in relation to comments made by Mr Kane (Your Letters, June 18) regarding the proposed war memorial in Watchet. I most strongly object to his assertion that "the council is to hide away any memorials" and the "sad idea to place the memorial at the side of the library in Watchet should be seen as an insult to all of the services".

The site chosen occupies a prominent position alongside the library with full frontage to Harbour Road. This site was chosen because it is midway between the assembly point for the Remembrance Parade on The Esplanade and the Methodist Church on Harbour Road where the dedication and acts of remembrance take place.

The site itself lies in a sombre setting surrounded by a small red granite wall topped by wrought iron railings, and lies at the junction of Goviers Lane, Harbour Road, and The Esplanade. This site is visible for foot passengers from the West Somerset Railway, the buses and coaches and many visitors to our town as well as residents.

The working group who head up the 'Remembrance Project', of which I am chairman, chose this location in preference to a few limited alternatives, and we sincerely believe that this site represents the most favourable choice.

If Mr Kane had any concerns or doubts then he should have contacted the Town Council offices as requested in the press statement that was released, where his questions could have been answered.

This matter has been ongoing for many years and there have been many practical obstacles in relation to finding a site, due to land ownership etc of which Mr Kane is unaware. This project has been thoroughly researched, and the working group has not just picked the first site "out of the air, with no thought involved".

Maybe Mr Kane could harness his energies more positively into enabling Watchet to have a much needed war memorial in recognition of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us and to honour their memories.

Cllr Douglas Webber

Watchet Town Council