I READ with some incredulity your item about BCP arranging a team to entice retailers to open in the centre of Bournemouth.

It is almost impossible to expect anyone to open a shop in the centre while it remains in its present dilapidated condition.

In order to open a shop of any kind there are certain conditions necessary.

One is customers, the second is an environment in keeping with the quality of the products you wish to sell. Thirdly there needs to be inexpensive parking for the benefit of customer and shop keeper alike.

Currently none of these exist.

The idea of populating the town centre with shops seems a little outdated.

It would appear that, today, the majority of shopping is done either, in a heated covered mall, on a retail park where parking is free and outside the door, or online. It would seem that in this area shopping which meet this criteria is already available.

A total rethink about the nature and layout of the town centre is needed.

Imagine a shady plaza where locals and visitors can stroll or sit in the evening with some form of street entertainment.

This would require serious reconstruction of the area possibly incorporating the Bourne stream and gardens and possibly, where the ground levels are too extreme, a permanent amphitheatre where open air productions could be staged.

It might also be possible to consider terminating Bourne Avenue with a road bridge across to Avenue Road, roughly where the current footbridge is.

This would make a more balanced area of plaza or piazza, or whatever we choose to call an area of pleasurable relaxation.

A plan coordinating all the good points into one enjoyable coordinated space.

Other features such as a children’s adventure area and paddling pool or a boule or tennis court or a giant chess board could be considered.

This could turn the town centre into an enjoyable area which people would wish to visit.

DAVID HAWKSWORTH

Branksome Wood Road, Bournemouth