SIR — The much vaunted promises of open local government and accountability, loudly and predictably proclaimed from the rooftops prior to the last election, have yet again crumbled into nothingness as our district council sinks complacently back into its historic role of secret decision-making policies whilst our elected councillors, in their ignorance and acceptance of these decisions, prove beyond doubt they are surplus to requirements, being mere bodies occupying seats.
The unbridled verbosity of Cllr Colin Hill resembles a bottle of newly opened inferior champagne, all froth and bubble, signifying nothing.
A mere glance around Minehead and its environs is sufficient to confirm the complete incompetence of the decision makers in our midst.
Who, possessing half a brain cell, would agree to the excavation of a lovely avenue for the purpose of creating incomprehensible and dangerous traffic movements, a centre reservation previously used as a sanctuary for pedestrians now turned into a resting place for numerous large stone "coffins", together with an entire side of unlit pavement, an irresistible invitation to muggers?
All the avenue required was re-laid pavements and, as Cllr Hill states, "It is the public's money and we have to spend it wisely."
Why dig up a newly constructed promenade for the benefit of private enterprise? And, whilst on the subject, who owns the promenade?
Why all the secrecy concerning the true costs of Aquasplash, why the need to call in consultants?
Not a week passes by without disclosures of yet another officer either being investigated, suspended, etc. How much of ratepayers' money is being paid out in compensation and enhanced pensions? Is this what Cllr Hill calls spending our money wisely?
We will not forget that Messrs. Hill, Taylor, Stokes, Messara, Walker, etc, all slavishly supported Butlins in their unending demands, hailing them as the saviour of Minehead, a provider of unending employment for local people.
What is the true picture? This giant is, like West Somerset District Council, crumbling before our eyes, its feet of clay finally exposed.
This district council must be merged with an adjacent authority where integrity, reliability and accountability are the norm — that is, if they will have us!
Practical use should be made of available finances by a new authority to attract modern lightweight industry to this area such as software, communications and business services, in contrast to the present council with its blinkered belief that a holiday camp is the only life-blood available to the people of this town.
To the observer of the present shambles masquerading under the name of West Somerset District Council, I think the following quotation best sums up the situation: "If this were planned upon the stage now, I could condemn it as an improbable fiction."
Ronald Frost,
Chairman,
West Somerset Watchdogs.