THE Imax, which had cross-party support, is being demolished.

The price tag for which is £6.5million plus whatever it cost to purchase the head leases, which also costs Bournemouth council in loss of business rates.

Cllr John Beesley, leader of the council, says this is not the time to seek an all-weather facility to replace it as the economy is not in a good state.

Yet courageously the Conservatives have sought a Butterfly Centre which is set to be built at one of the chines so this contradicts the statement from the leader.

The local Conservative MP, Tobias Ellwood, invited people to go and watch the demolition. Did he invite the thousands of school childeren he engaged in a competition to choose an alternative use of the Imax – the winner being a Mary Shelley Experience Centre?

If the time is not right to find an alternative solution for the Imax, do not settle for second best which will have limited use, being exposed to elements, and bring yet more costs to Bournemouth council.

MIKE CARLILE Bennett Road, Charminster