SIR — It was with considerable regret that I read that Watchet’s historical and iconic Grade II listed council chamber had been lost despite the best efforts of a community group attempt to save it for the town.

The council’s botched attempt at a public consultation floundered as hundreds of residents failed to receive their consultation papers.

During the whole process, councillors found themselves unable to comment regarding the sale of the building or show any regard for the town’s most significant asset.

They were, however, able to suggest that the figure of £80,000 was required to bring the building into a reasonable state of repair although they are quite unable to provide evidence to substantiate this figure.

That this building, gifted to the people of Watchet, is to become a fishing tackle shop is the most inauspicious and tragic end.

The councillors, who at the beginning of the 20th century showed such tenacity and determination in rebuilding the devastated harbour and holding their first meetings as an urban district council in a rented tea room before acquiring the council chambers for the town, are rightly held in high regard by the people of Watchet, and residents of the town should and do regard their memory with considerable gratitude.

The council chamber was their legacy and I imagine they thought it would always remain so.

It is interesting that our present councillors, as they now grapple with the picnic tables and foldaway chairs before each meeting at the visitor centre, may feel a loss of gravitas.

The imposing chairman’s chair generously given by Vic Danby but now consigned to a dusty corner of a storeroom will be a constant and tangible reminder of what has been lost.

Nick Cotton,

Swain Street,

Watchet.