This is all that remains of The Pines after a major fire that may have been started deliberately. It is a sad picture of a popular place where I have spent happy times. My sympathy goes out to the owner, manager and loyal staff.
The Fire and Rescue service was able to send a total of five vehicles – fire engines from Bridgwater, Taunton and Nether Stowey plus a ladder platform and a water bowser.
But if threatened cuts go ahead it is possible that the response might have been much smaller.
I believe the options for cost savings now up for consultation by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue must be questioned. In our part of the world we simply cannot afford to lose essential parts of the service.