Dear Editor,

I WAS glad to read in May 8’s edition, of the pragmatic approach our council is demonstrating when dealing with the troublesome issue of weeds.

Poor weed control in our streetscape is one of the ‘slam dunk’ indicators of a town in decline. Tidiness in that department is vital in giving our valued visitors, a positive impression. Minehead Town Council (MTC) appears to be gripping the matter.

As I read through the article it was plain to see the approach is as environmentally sensitive as possible, yet achievable within the parameters of the town’s budget. All safeguards appear to have been thought through. So as long as the contract is watertight and weed control actions verifiable, I’m happy. Well done MTC; keep up the good work.

To all the naysayers, who so vehemently oppose any form of chemical weed control, however carefully programmed and applied, I say, ‘form a squad of unpaid volunteers (you’ll need over a hundred) to hand weed all the nominated streets and keep them tidy’. Any takers? I thought not.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Miller

Minehead

Dear Editor,

I WAS totally horrified to read the misleading and wholly inaccurate letter re The League Against Cruel Sports that I have been a member of for over 30 years.

The article definitely does reflect responsible standards of journalism as Mr Sparrow want us to believe and the fact that he mentions elections across the UK is totally irrelevant?

Those associated with hunting have long attempted to justify their barbaric practices and would prefer the public to remain uninformed of their atrocities.

To make comparisons with Donald Trump Is deeply disturbing and to associate Zac Polanski with Trump is sheer lunacy.

I have never wanted to follow a hunt but have seen enough footage and sightings of barbaric behaviour to feel well informed.

Hunt saboteurs do not want to cause trouble, they says follow hunts not to cause trouble but to try to protect the fox. They are very brave people and often sustain injuries from angry hunters or their horses.

Mr Sparrow is actually correct in stating that trail hunting is legal. Sadly this is a smoke screen and foxes are hunted often by two hounds which are changed when they tire but more than likely a pack is used. I have even seen footage of a huntsman hiding a dead fox beneath his jacket!

Apparently 80 per cent of the British public are opposed to hunting but would not have the courage to confront a hunt person.

To write that LACS has a history of doctored clips and photos is slanderous and maybe he could produce some evidence to verify this.

LACS would be very happy now to produce drone footage of so much bad behaviour by the hunt in the countryside.

Yours sincerely,

Meg Sunningdale

Blue Anchor

Dear Editor,

IT was good to see Benet Allen’s letter last week and know that the local community had rallied round to repair the damage caused to St Michael’s Pool.

I see that “Window Woman” Raj had given her services for free. This is no surprise as when we were in a pickle at Townsend House and the locks were jammed she sorted it out in no time – for free. I think her services to the community, and some might add the fact she’s been on telly, makes her truly a star!

Townsend House is open for visitors and book sales every Monday morning 10 am till 12.30 pm.

Dave Taylor

Chair of the trustees Townsend House

Dear Editor,

Unlike Andrew Brown (Letters, May 8) I do not find it odd that Obergefreiter Wilhelm Ruehl, who was killed when his aircraft was shot down over Porlock Bay, should have been buried with full military honours.

This was a fairly common practice at the time, and as an ex-serviceman myself I was glad to learn that it happened in Ruehl’s case. After all, he was not some sort of war criminal, just a young man who died serving his country – even if he was on the opposing side. Nor was the use of the swastika flag “bizarre” – as well as being the symbol of the Nazi Party the flag was then the national flag of Germany, and therefore the flag under which Ruehl fought and died.

What other flag could have been used?

Jonathan Marshall

Lydeard St Lawrence

Dear Editor,

In response to Andrew Brown's letter headed "Bizarre war grave decisions" regarding the burial of a German pilot with full military honours, I would like to point out that prior to WWII there was great friendship between British and German pilots.

These "Knights of the Air" held each other in great respect and in the very early days of the war aerial combat between opposing aircraft was considered a more honourable battle than that between opposing armies.

Quite a few German pilots were given a military funeral by the RAF at the beginning of the conflict but the start of the blitz and the aggression shown by the German forces soon changed this attitude. I must add that I have no knowledge of early killed RAF pilots being treated in the same way by the Luftwaffe.

Yours etcetera,

Keith Garner

Minehead

Dear Editor,

Sunday, May 10: What a lovely warm welcome this morning at Minehead URC from Wendy and Stephen.

We are on holiday and worship at our own Congregational Church back home in Leicestershire. Worship styles at the URC not that dissimilar to our own pattern, so an obvious choice to us for a service this morning. But such a shame that this church is struggling to survive. Sadly, no sign of a minister this morning so elder Wendy presided over a service prepared by Stephen who read the scriptures, played recorded hymns and just about did everything else. An off the cuff sermon by Wendy was so heart felt, warming and inspirational, such a talent.

Come on folks of Minehead and surrounding area, come and lend a hand here. Minehead URC has some super facilities, don’t let it go to waste. Whether you have a strong faith, little faith or no faith there is so much here to make this a wonderful community hub. It just needs a helping hand, so come on folks give a little and make this a wonderfully thriving place.

God bless and keep you all.

Sue and Bob

Leicestershire