SIR — Once again the district council is set to go through the process of selecting a site for centralised offices. Four possibilities appear to be emerging - next to Aquasplash, on the site of Aquasplash, next to Ellicombe roundabout or Williton. Aquasplash is an excellent facility. It may not be suitable for competitive swimming but it is a good public pool excellent for learning to swim. One of the major benefits of Aquasplash is the large area within people's depth. It's great for children, parents with infants, people who like to swim and exercise but perfect to swim within their own depth and perfectly fine for the most able swimmers. When I moved to West Somerset 15 years ago, many children could not swim and the standard of swimming was poor. Aquasplash and Knights Templar pool have provided the infrastructure to change that and this is no longer the case. Will West Somerset District Council really get funding for a new pool when the existing one is only 12 years old? The area around Aquasplash should be used for solar panels and/or a small wind generator to reduce running costs. Grants may be available for this sort of improvement that helps both the environment and the council tax payer. The area at Ellicombe is simply not big enough. A piecemeal programme of improving the Williton site, replacing and improving the existing buildings, is the only viable way forward for the district. The key role of our district council is to fulfil its statutory functions. To do this it needs staff. Staff, in statutory functions such as environmental health, building control and planning, are in short supply. A move to Minehead for staff will not suit all staff and some will leave. A move to Minehead will cause the loss of staff and nine miles further from Bridgwater and Taunton will not help attract staff. A move to Minehead could easily make centralisation a joke if it resulted in one or two statutory functions being performed by Taunton Deane or Sedgemoor. It is obvious that the electorate have been alienated by the district council already. Moving the council offices to Minehead will split the district into three and further alienate the electorate in the east. The electorate in the east identify with Bridgwater and they will be keen to join Sedgemoor where they go to shop and their children are educated. The electorate of Williton and Watchet and the vale to the south are virtually knocking on Taunton Deane's door! If West Somerset District Council stays in Williton, Williton will not be degenerated so will not need regenerating, saving our Council Tax. By doing piecemeal improvements in Williton, each small project can be closely managed and the potential for a budget overspend of unmanageable proportions eliminated. It has always made good business sense for the council to centralise in Williton. To keep West Somerset in existence, Williton is the only choice. Name and address supplied.
