I HAVE come across a copy of the Mercury from August in which a letter from John Crockford-Hawley appeared.

I HAVE come across a copy of the Mercury from August in which a letter from John Crockford-Hawley appeared.

It was about North Somerset Council's threat to close the museum in Burlington Street. (Since then, the library service has come under attack from the same quarter). His point was that North Somerset is a concept which is incapable of delivering that which is necessary.

While I take his point about boundaries drawn before 1066 that does not really apply to North Somerset. In fact I believe that the boundaries of the Winterstoke Hundred, which go back to Saxon times, are as relevant today as they ever were.

North Somerset should be divided into its two natural halves, which are recognised at Parliamentary level, but not at the local level where they are most relevant. As Mr Crockford-Hawley says: "Economy of scale? Prove it". Quite so.

The fiasco of the Tropicana, results directly from the failures of North Somerset District Council as a concept. The latest example is the way in which North Somerset's Elfan AP Rees blocked the proposed Greater Bristol Integrated Transport Authority. His actions will impact most badly on the residents of Portishead, but Weston's commuters will not escape the negative effects of his short-sightedness, nor will Weston's economy which depends on Bristol's success as an engine of prosperity.

ROBERT CRAIG

Weston Civic Platform

Priory Road, Weston