I read with interest Coun Richard Denton-White’s letter regarding Portland and a Town Crier (Your Say, February 8).

I am certainly far from ignorant and in fact have a good knowledge of what happens on the island. Having spent a long time in community development working with people, I know the thing you have to do, is ask people what they want.

I have spoken with quite a few residents about the idea. Most, I have to say, do not think we need a town crier.

The mistake Portland Town Council seems to be making is just assuming they know what Portland needs.

I am not sure that we have a ‘dynamic combination’ or indeed ‘energetic and talented’ group of people representing us but I do agree they are volunteers and they give their time freely.

However, it is a voluntary post and if you sign up for it then get on with it without expecting others to praise you for it!

This is what many other community volunteers do in local organisations on a daily basis, also with no recognition or reward.

I have always believed we do need our town council so that Portland does not disappear the same way as Melcombe Regis did.

However, we need a good town council that does the same as other small parish councils.

It is in an excellent position to attract grants for Portland projects that are worthwhile which I am sure WPBC would support with officer time and expertise.

Instead the town council wastes a lot of time and effort on things that don’t really matter.

Money would be better spent on the environment with scrub clearance, footpath enhancement, repairing dry stone walling and supporting other voluntary activities.

The town council could have taken the initiative on promoting Portland with leaflets, maps and bags, instead of leaving it organisations like the Portland Community Partnership.

Maybe one of the first things they could do is lobby to move the Gateway to the actual entrance to Portland.

When the project was done a lot of time was spent trying to get the powers that be to allow it be sited nearer Ferrybridge but the usual excuses of SSSIs etc were made.

However, since that time top soil has been moved and brought in near Hamm at the entrance to the academy to enhance the site.

Now the borough council and partners wish to alter the Chesil Beach Centre including the entrance so surely the pillars can be put nearer the real entrance to Portland.

I am sure many local businesses would assist in doing this.

Rachel Barton, Southwell, Portland.