MR Butcher (Letters, August 13) makes some excellent points in regard to our beaches.

The seafront currently achieves very high levels of customer satisfaction, four blue flags and generates an operational surplus comparable to privately-run visitor attractions.

This is an excellent foundation but we are not complacent and facilities do require substantial investment.

That is why we have been working hard on a Seafront Strategy which will determine future development sites, and this will identify public and private sector investment to drive the improvements needed to allow Bournemouth to compete internationally.

To directly answer some of the points Mr Butcher has raised: deckchair hire lasts until 6pm; all 17 toilet blocks are all open until dusk and the majority have RADAR key-operated accessible toilets; there are 250 benches on the promenade and Piers; and there are a variety of different catering offers available in the Pier Approach area including the newly-opened Prom Cafe, Aruba, Hot Rocks, Coffee Reef, Key West, Harry Ramden’s, West Beach and the Oceanarium. Feedback is generally extremely positive and the number of complaints received is 0.0001 per cent of the total number of visitors.

We have searched through the records and unfortunately cannot trace Mr Butcher’s email.

I would, however, be delighted to offer Mr Butcher and his mother a complimentary cup of tea and slice of cake at the new Prom Cafe in Pier Approach with me – The Prom, after all, signals the start of the council’s investment plans.

Mr Butcher, please contact me directly via the Town Hall or phone me – my number is on the council website

CLLR LAWRENCE WILLIAMS, ward councillor for Littledown & Iford, cabinet member for tourism, leisure and culture