SIR — Somerset Towns Forum shares knowledge and good practice among organisations who are revitalising their towns. From time to time, we organise events in individual towns to share progress.

Graham Sizer, chairman of the Minehead Chamber of Trade, has been an active member and supporter of the forum since we started in 2005.

The Minehead chamber has been a key player in efforts to revitalise Minehead. Under Graham's leadership, it has, in good partnership with others, delivered projects such as the empty shops project and a good promotional website for the town.

A current plan is to talk with coach operators and attract them back to Minehead.

It has also taken a leading role in the development of the Minehead Visioning Group, a partnership of all the major stakeholders in the town, which has resulted in a considerable financial investment for town promotional and redevelopment initiatives.

The chamber has supported the creation of the Minehead Development Trust, which is proving to be a very useful body to deliver projects such as the information centre (a crucial feature for visitors that increases their spending in local businesses) and redevelopment of the old hospital into a mixed-use community facility.

I am sure there are other activities in Minehead that the chamber has supported that I'm unaware of – Graham's only 'fault' is his modesty!

In general it's not an easy time to try to revitalise towns given the nation's financial state, and this work can be complex and frustrating, but Graham remains positive and driven to improve Minehead for its businesses and people.

I often tell people in other towns about progress in Minehead as it is one of the most active and enlightened towns in Somerset regarding economic development and regeneration.

Many chambers struggle to get members to their own meetings, let alone deliver anything to promote their town.

Minehead should be very proud of its chamber.

Matt Day,

Co-ordinator,

Somerset Towns Forum.