SIR — Before I say anything I do have a vested interest in my subject – I was for many years the president of the Flag Institute and I still make traditional national flags.

What prompts to write is that, knowing my interest in the subject, several locals have questioned why Minehead Police Station, the main station for this large area of Somerset and which has the largest official flagpole in the area, never flies the national flag or any other flag.

This was the case even for the Queen’s 90th birthday, when every other self-respecting organisation showed our national colours with pride.

I know that the answer will be that Minehead’s police have not got the funds.

They may well be short of money but then so is everyone. It is all a question of public relations and pride in who they are and what they stand for.

I know how many police areas do fly flags, particularly in Wales – why not Minehead?

In my opinion, Minehead needs to get a grip and show a little national pride.

It would show that they have pride in who they are and what they stand for.

Robin Ashburner,

Exford.