JUST a little disappointed to notice, in your columns, how that old lack of ambition once again pervades the citizens of this beautiful borough.

Whereas one may sympathise with those who look at the proposals for the future of the now gone Winter Gardens and tremble at the sheer majesty of the new developments that you describe.

However, why do they accept that “We are only an ordinary (presumed: hum-drum) south coast resort and the scheme is more for an international super resort like Miami or Acapulco?”

Of course there should be some degree of restraint to preserve our standing as a ‘sophisticated’ venue for holiday and leisure but so much of our charm over the years has gone out of the window with our refusal to move forward to meet demand.

Why not compete and re-establish the esteem internationally we once held? This town is privileged to be in one of the best locations in Europe. La Rochelle, Estoril, Portofino, to name but a few, have achieved classic international status and growth and wealth by sensible investment.

True our weather is a tad less reliable but that’s no reason to let go. We must move forward and make ourselves desirable. It’s no good hiding behind climate.

Honfleur and Deauville are just across the Channel, with our weather, and they attract many including the Parisians.

London is not far away and we have the sand that Brighton cannot offer. Go for it.

There are still those who cling to the idea that the Winter Gardens will rise like a phoenix.

It was a splendid era and it would be ideal if a concert venue could be included in the redevelopment but the BIC is there already.

They created these gardens that some remember but why shouldn’t the new piazza be beautiful and vibrant too?

Look at the shabby site that remains there today.

It is an embarrasment to the town centre. Let’s open a new volume and glorify our heritage.

JIM TARRANT Address supplied