I was deeply saddened at the reaction on your letters page to the Social Mobility Commission’s second report (Free Press December 8).

District councillor Rosemary Woods talked about geographical mobility rather than the ability of the most disadvantaged in our society to develop and progress in life.

While the report is extremely wordy, it basically looks at four stages of life - early years (pre-school), schools (to GCSE stage), youth (16-plus); and working lives.

The first three stages look at the quality of provision as measured by OFSTED and the achievements of children in receipt of free school meals.

The final stage looks, amongst other things, at average wages, job types and the percentage of families with children who own their home.

It is thus all about prospects for those at the bottom of the financial pile who deserve to be helped to achieve their best and contribute to society.

We are often told that this district is “burdened” by senior citizens (yes, I am one) retiring here.

This must mean that there is a pool of untapped talent who could help, mentor or coach our young people to widen their horizons or bring more businesses to the area.

It is widely accepted that where competing businesses have access to the same resources, then it is the people who make the difference.

If we as a society could value, develop and empower ALL of our young people we could be an unstoppable force in the world.

All we need is a bit of leadership from our civil leaders.

Michael Huggett, Parkhouse Road, Minehead.