I read with interest the letter last week from Minehead Chamber of Commerce chairman Alex de Mendoza in response to our MP Ian Liddell-Grainger’s call for improved road links to ease West Somerset’s increasing traffic congestion.

Mr de Mendoza is quite right – we can’t afford to ruin West Somerset with ever more roads and roundabouts, let alone pay for them.

How much does our MP think our council taxes are going to increase by to pay for all his roads and roundabouts?

As a former Minehead resident, it is obvious to me that we have to make proper use of the West Somerset Railway.

It cannot just be used for engine spotters and rail fans to engage in their hobby, no matter how interesting that hobby may be.

The line has to be shared with the community it was created to serve in the first place as well as serve the needs of steam train enthusiasts.

We all know that as environmental pressures mount and West Somerset’s population soars, sooner or late the West Somerset Railway will be forced to allow a proper train service from Taunton to travel over the line, whether it likes it or not.

Why not get the ball rolling now and get all the local authorities and railway operators together and make a start on getting as smooth and economic transition to a “railway for everyone” rather than have it forced upon the West Somerset Railway by some future administration at some point in the future.

Colin Webber, North Street, Bridgwater.