I READ with dismay the continued negative comments about Bournemouth attached to the article ‘Bournemouth: The Resort Where Four Worlds Collide’ (Daily Echo, May 10).

While I agree that the town centre can be a less than wonderful place to be on a Friday or Saturday night, I fail to see that as being any different to any other town in the country.

The problems of drunks and idiots are not Bournemouth’s alone. More importantly, the guide, article and comments do what so many Bournemouth critics do and bypass the town’s good points. The well-maintained beaches, the proximity to the New Forest and the Jurassic Coast all make Bournemouth an excellent place to live or visit for people of all ages.

There’s a substantial arts and creative scene in the town, as with the best of these things just a little “underground”, from the Freeway Poets at The Winchester to the Bournemouth Creatives group, great local bands and DJs as well as major mainstream and alternative visiting artists at the Old Firestation, the BIC and the O2, a thriving twice-weekly folk club and the huge range of dance classes available at Pavilion Dances.

Areas such as Charminster and Boscombe offer quality cuisine from around the world, with excellent, professional and friendly staff and lovely food at prices that won’t break the bank. Then there are the community fayres such as the Boscombe Tea Party, which brings the community together and provides fun activities for all ages.

Personally I don’t think our charity sports club, The Silly Army, could have formed anywhere but Bournemouth. We are a sports and social group for adults who want to get out and enjoy the town and surrounding area, get fitter and feel part of a community, without status or cost being a barrier. We started the charity because we identified a need and it has gone from strength to strength.

Instead of moaning about what Bournemouth doesn’t have to offer, perhaps some of the complainers should get up from behind their computer screens and try what the town has to offer or set up a club, group or activity of their own.

KAYE INGLIS, Secretary, The Silly Army