SIR — I wish to express my disappointment with the poor attendance at the Energy Exhibition West Somerset District Council and the Centre for Sustainable Energy organised at the Hobby Horse in Minehead on the afternoon of Friday, October 29.

A large number of companies and organisations were available to give free expert advice on saving energy and saving money on fuel bills and on composting and recycling. Also available was advice for businesses on waste minimisation and how commercial enterprises could save money by reducing their waste.

A large amount of time and effort was spent in organising this exhibition for your benefit.

This event was advertised in three local papers, on the local radio, in shop windows, in the library displays, in a GPs surgery and also through the various trade and commerce organisations.

Both the Somerset Trade Commerce and Industry and the Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme had representatives for the benefit of the commercial businesses and, as far as I am aware, no one from a business attended the exhibition to take advantage of their expertise.

Although I appreciate that those working through the day would have difficulty in attending, the reason we held the exhibition in the afternoon was because a large proportion of residents are elderly and some find it difficult going out in the evening.

Also it was half term when many parents and children would be available during the day.

It was open at a time where those who work in Minehead could attend during their lunch break.

The majority of comments from those who did attend were that they found it very useful and interesting and they went away with information to help them improve the energy efficiency of their homes and to improve our environment.

Through your columns and as part of our Best Value Programme, I would like to hear constructive comments from both residents and businesses on how in future we can motivate you into action to seek information which is of benefit to yourselves.

We are here to help you but we cannot do this without your co-operation and support.

Barbara Robinson,

Home Energy/Recycling Officer,

West Somerset District Council.