SIR — I have been away on holiday and am catching up with the local news and readers' views. What a negative lot of stuff!

Minehead traders have been taking some undeserved stick.

Whereas it might be true that it is possible to save a few bob by buying a major item in Taunton, for every day needs the few extra pence on the price (due to higher cost to the trader, not profiteering) is more than compensated for by the ability to speak to the shop owner, tell him/her exactly what you want, see exactly what you are buying, enjoy expert advice and after sales service and, as a last resort, haven't got far to take it back if you aren't satisfied.

Continual whinging about poor roads is a waste of time as the level of investment that would be needed to bring about worthwhile improvements just isn't justifiable for such a small population in the present economic climate.

We need to make an asset out of our isolation and sell the benefits of the landscapes, history, wildlife, activities and tranquillity that makes holidays here a delight and provides an inspirational environment for skilled staff to live and work in.

Of course there are some road improvements that would be cheap and bring huge benefits.

We need to redesign Minehead's Friday Street/Park Street/Parade junction and the bus stop/taxi rank to avoid the congestion that infuriates locals and visitors in equal measure, creates pollution and wastes fuel.

We need to make our Tourist Information Centre accessible with dedicated free parking for the first 15 or 20 minutes to encourage its use and to appear welcoming to visitors. The same applies to the Dunster Visitor Centre to a lesser extent. The cost to the Council would be negligible.

Much more on-street tourist information and signage needs to be provided, again at very little cost.

Minehead in particular needs user-friendly coach drop off and pick up points, particularly in the area they use by the station.

Omission of such from the recent "enhancement" scheme is regrettable, particularly as numerous people, including relevant professionals, pointed this omission out during the consultation process.

There are many successful businesses in West Somerset and the one thing that unites them – railway, castle, certain hotels, other tourist attractions etc - is that they have a very positive attitude to the area and to its benefits, and they actively seek trade through a host of promotional activities.

Then they make their patrons welcome and they give good service and value.

In other words, they put positive thought and effort into marketing themselves.

The whingers would do well to learn from their example.

J A S Dixon,

Periton Road,

Minehead.