Unfounded

I wish to refute the unfounded allegations made by 'Fan of Old Portishead' that the residents of Port Marine are merely commuters. My husband and I came to live here in 2003, and were soon aware of the town's vibrant community spirit, which we had not experienced elsewhere. Being retired, we are free to take advantage of the many facilities on offer. We love the warm fellowship and range of activities at the Methodist Church, and the friendliness of the country market and the High Street shops. There is an excellent range of activities on offer at Parish Wharf, and we are grateful that there are groups and classes which enable us to indulge our hobbies in art and music. The Portishead Players' productions, the carnival, flower show, and other single events which come along are splendid examples of local enterprise, and the persistence of the Railway Action Group has to be admired. We have many friends and neighbours here who share our enthusiasm for Portishead and like to support the various options.Of course, there are some who have neither time nor inclination to take part, but that must also be so in other parts of the town. Correspondents who take refuge in anonymity lack the courage of their convictions and the ability to make reasoned judgments.DOROTHY HUBBLE - Centre Quay, Portishead