THE refusal of the Portman Building Society to discuss or consider reviewing the decision to close the Pewsey branch is indefensible.

In correspondence about this closure lip service is paid by the society's managers to the interests of its members.

No consultation of the members has occurred on this matter and their views have not been taken into account we can be canvassed to vote for the directors the board want selected, but not for actions that affect the members' interests much more.

One can't help feeling that management decisions are being made from an out of date textbook.

There can be little faith in the abilities of current management culture which has reduced BT and the Post Office (Consignia), flourishing wealthy businesses, to failures in so short a time.

Perhaps the Portman managers should go back to business school to learn about current management thinking on relations with customers and staff.

G VENABLES

Avon Square

Upavon