Village

WHILST I agree with a lot of what Martin Smart says regarding Portishead High Street traders ('Despite the recession', Portishead Times November 5) I am stunned by his arrogance and ignorance when he comments: " ... does anyone really think they chose to live on Port Marine because of the village shopping facilities? Of course not."

I would like to point out to Mr Smart that the main reason why, after living in Bristol for over 20 years, my partner and I decided to move to Port Marine was indeed because of the village shopping facilities.

We had always enjoyed visiting Portishead with its 'villagey' feel and excellent range of local shops and when the new dockside development was started, we jumped at the opportunity of buying a new home with a superb waterfront location just a few minutes' walk away from Portishead High Street.

Too much is spoken and written about 'us and them' but I can assure you that all the people we know both on Port Marine and The Village Quarter fully support the local shops and services and do their best to integrate with the rest of the town.

Comments such as Mr Smart's only add fuel to the arguments by long-standing residents that the newcomers do not want to be part of the local community which is simply not the case.

KEVIN VODDEN - Eastcliff, Portishead