It is a joy to see the NatWest Bank in Minehead revealed after its renovation work.

This beautiful, classical style building is the only one in Minehead built entirely of Ham stone, which came from Ham Hill near Yeovil. It was very expensive but it cuts and carves well, unlike the local stone.

It was built in 1903 on Luttrell land for the Langport-based Stuckey Bank, who wanted a larger premises as their Minehead building ,where Chanin and Thomas now trade, was too small.

They wanted to impress their customers with a grand new design. They secured the services of the architect Sir George Oatley, who had already designed 13 West Country banks.

Whilst it added to the street scene it swept away the local identity of the street at that time, but the town benefits today from an eye-catching building that is now restored to its original glory.

If only the Old Town Hall could be given the same TLC.

Sally Bainbridge, Chairman, Minehead Conservation Society.