SIR — I, like I suspect many other readers, was fascinated to read the report published quite a few months ago proposing a high speed ferry link across the Bristol Channel with Minehead as one of the stops.

Since then, I've not seen any mention of the project.

As it seemed an interesting idea with, under some circumstances, definite advantages for the area, I decided to see if I could find out more.

Eventually I was referred to Chris Marrow of Severnlink, who is understandably enthusiastic about the project and apparently has some notable experts on the subject behind his proposal.

Chris also advised that things were progressing very well and it was hoped to be able to make an announcement within the next couple of months.

Obviously the project is not an altruistic one but a commercial one, and to ensure maximum revenue from any service there has to be a way of avoiding the restrictions of access caused by the tide.

And how might this be achieved? A pier is one possibility.

Minehead's original pier was demolished in World War Two because it obstructed the line of fire from a gun battery positioned on Quay Head, and supposedly Minehead's council was paid £2,000 in compensation.

Maybe now is the time to think about reinstating it. A pier would almost certainly represent an additional tourist attraction for the town and the surrounding area.

The issue of course would be cost - who pays for it and how much?

Clearly those who are likely to benefit most from any pier should surely pay the largest percentages.

For example, Severnlink need a pier to allow increased access to Minehead and thus generate substantial revenue for themselves.

And I understand too that a significant percentage of Butlins' holidaymakers come from Wales, so Butlins would also benefit from any ferry link.

Perhaps it is possible that some form of subtle development around the pier head could be permitted to generate revenue which in turn would pay for the cost of the pier and not involve additional costs for either West Somerset Council or Minehead Town Council.

And it is also very important that, should the Severnlink service project be approved but subsequently fail, which hopefully it won't, the town is not left with any direct or indirect financial liability.

I presume that the Severnlink project will fall under the jurisdiction of West Somerset Council.

Obviously until Severnlink make their announcement there will be nothing to discuss, but I would like to know at what point Minehead residents, and for that matter, the town council, will be allowed to have their say on the project.

Too often in the past, decisions that affect the residents of this town have been made without the proper involvement and participation of those most affected by it.

In my opinion, too many commercial developments have been allowed to come into the area and make money from the town without offering a reasonable return for Minehead.

And I'm sure that we have all had suspicions that prices charged in certain outlets locally are significantly higher than those in similar ones in other areas.

Let's hope that those who represent the town bear this in mind and ensure that any agreement, if ultimately reached with Severnlink. will be a fair one which benefits everyone.

P Davies,

Queens Road,

Minehead.