SIR — It was a great pity that your report on Friday August 12 could not be content with recording that at the council meeting held on August 10 it was agreed to sell the Vulcan Road car park for retail development. In fact it was an excellent day for democracy and one that will be welcomed by the vast majority of the people of West Somerset. Once again the minority organisation DIRECT tried to inflict bully boy tactics on the democratically elected members of West Somerset District Council. However, the administration remained firm while the opposition members took on their favourite pastime by courting the press. It has to be admitted that West Somerset District Council has been let down in the past by certain consultants. However, for those who took the trouble to read the council's report "Delivering on the Council's Priorities" it became obvious that the wishes of the people of West Somerset are being met. For those who remain blinkered I ask you to look around and see what is happening in Taunton, Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare, Street and Barnstaple. All have or are investing in the future. If Minehead does not do the same it will be going along the same tragic route as Burnham-on-Sea where spending is well below the national average. Retailing is as important factor in the holiday industry. Holidaymakers come with money in their pockets and are anxious to spend it. If we cannot fulfill that need in West Somerset they will go elsewhere. Remember we need to look to the future and in order to do this we must invest today. The Vulcan Road site is an ideal location. Development will not harm the town. It will create competion, much-needed jobs and make Minehead a centre of excellence. Perhaps, when space permits, the West Somerset Free Press can make the overall picture available to its readers. John T Lamb The Meadows, Porlock.
