I take exception and umbrage to Mr Melhuish and his claim that I am lobbying for a proper and independent exploration of the pros and cons of a connected rail service into Taunton for my own self interests (Letters July 21).

I have absolutely no self interest in this rail connection matter whatsoever, apart from having to listen to my hotel guests’ grumblings about Minehead’s historical disconnection and the seeming stupidity of its railway stopping three miles short of Taunton.

My interest lies purely in the fact that I personally and strongly believe a proper use of our railway infrastructure can only benefit the whole region socially and economically, and that as a member of the Chamber of Commerce my duty lies in trying to improve and enhance Minehead’s economic health and viability for the future.

If Mr Melhuish and the other naysayers who have responded over the years, months and weeks to this proposal have their way, a proper exploration of this community transport issue will never be forthcoming.

And whilst this issue is certainly not new, the social and economic landscape of today is vastly different to that of even a few years ago, let alone the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, to which they probably refer.

Surely there can be no harm in calling for an independent business case study of West Somerset’s railway line to see if those “metals” could work harder for all the communities through which they run between Minehead and Taunton?

We are not taking issue here with WSR plc themselves, who are doing an admirable job under somewhat trying circumstances, but the transport department of Somerset County Council who own the track and should be trying to find ways of making those tracks work harder and for longer each day to help revive West Somerset’s faltering tourism and economic fortunes.

If this, Mr Melhuish, makes me and my efforts self interested, then I can only apologise for your misunderstanding of the good intentions I have for Minehead, West Somerset, its economy and its fantastic transport asset . . . namely, a proper and still working railway line.

Your assertion that I am doing nothing else to try to improve the town and its economy under my chamber remit does not warrant even a single sentence of response.

Alex de Mendoza, Chairman, Minehead Chamber of Commerce.