THE headline in the News of June 27 gave the erroneous impression that the Ilminster Christmas lights committee was about to fold through lack of cash and volunteers.

As a town council representative on that committee for 2006/07, I was giving my final report and update to the full council. "Yes" I reported that a lot of damage had occurred because of inclement weather. "Yes" I reported that the lights committee were intending a recruitment drive in the year for volunteers able to climb ladders, and "Yes" I asked the council to consider favourably a request to increase out grant towards the rent for storage of the Christmas lights.

At NO time during my report did I infer or indicate that the lights may not continue through lack of cash or volunteers as your reporter would have people believe.

This type of headline may seek to sell newspapers, however, it does nothing to support a group of dedicated volunteers who make every effort in all weathers, not just at Christmas but throughout the year, to give Ilminster the best Christmas lights display in this part of South Somerset year on year.

It may be of interest for your readers to know that at the same meeting I also reported that a group of 11-12-year-olds, on their own initiative, were organising two disco evenings at Ile Youth Centre in aid of a cancer charity. I would have thought that worthy of a mention, and even a photograph of the youngsters, would have added interest and given encouragement to these young people for their efforts. Sadly, your reporter chose to blow a simple report on the Ilminster Christmas lights out of all proportion instead.

MARGARET M. EXCELL, Ilminster Town Councillor.