I AM astonished at the temerity of Cllr John Beesley.

His attack on the fire and police chiefs (Daily Echo, February 20) should be examined in the context of the waste of £8.5million spent on purchasing and demolishing the Imax.

Savings on the demolition could clearly have been made if the council had not appointed a paid agent, Interserve Construction of Reading, Berks, who then put it out to tender before awarding the contract to a Surrey based company, 777.

Am I to believe that there is no one on the staff of the council who is capable of picking up a phone to the local demolition companies?

The police and fire services save lives, Mr Beesley.

Demolishing the Imax may only have saved you a few votes.

GEOFF COOPER Methuen Road, Bournemouth