A YEAR ago Amber Rudd, MP for Hastings, wrote “Surely Hastings is on its way back to becoming the cultural and creative centre of the south east.”

This was based partially on the opening of a privately funded £4million art gallery with magnificent views on the seafront – the council provided the site for free – and their burnt down pier being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund to secure £8.75million funding to become a symbol for optimism and achievement.

By contrast, Bournemouth Council will have spent almost the same amount of money destroying the Imax and will be left with a pile of rubble. Their sole argument seems to be that this will provide a panoramic view.

The Echo headline of April 13 was ‘To let: One Imax building, excellent views’. Anybody that has enjoyed a meal or drink sitting in the sun on the Imax balcony realises that the view from there is indeed excellent. Why would a council, trying to attract visitors, deprive locals and tourists of enjoying what is one of the best views on the south coast?

Anybody seeking 3D movies enjoys them from Imax cinemas worldwide where they have been successful, but the councillors seem ignorant of that. Whatever is suggested – art gallery, Elton John museum, swimming pool (after the council closed the BIC one), ice skating rink, restaurants, pubs etc. the council rejects. As an accountant and an ‘around the world’ tourist, I hope that somebody will be able to stop this appalling waste of money and needless destruction of a building that should be capable of attracting visitors. Hastings has high unemployment and low wages, but Bournemouth councillors perhaps need to copy their vitality and vision.

DAVID H WELLS, Sopwith Crescent, Merley