HAVING very recently moved to Bournemouth, I would like to express my appreciation of the many excellent services we are enjoying here.

In particular, the superb work of the Parks Department. The wonderful plantings of roundabouts, verges and gardens throughout the area are not only a delight to the eye but to anyone with even a minor understanding of gardening will appreciate the planning, preparation and skill in achieving such amazing results.

The excellent bus services provide access to a very wide range of destinations for both essential and leisure needs with a largely friendly and helpful staff.

I have been recently given to understand that the vast empty Imax building situated on the waterfront to the east of the pier is scheduled for demolition.

I am sure that the council will have an exciting new plan for this huge and vital area which could restore the view of Bournemouth’s beautiful bay. May I add my thoughts which I am sure will already have been considered.

Might the council open a Design competition for the area? Ideas and designs from amateurs and professionals alike with the basic constraints imposed by the council ie Preservation of view, cost effective, ease of maintenance and adaptability etc.

The siting of the essential but visually severe sea front road by-pass might be improved by a span of perhaps a dozen flagpoles flying European emblems to give a welcome to visitors as they approach or walk beneath to enjoy the beautiful valley gardens.

Those areas which constantly try to be “all things to all people” will quickly lose their identity. There are plenty of “courses for horses” and folk will gravitate to where their interests lie.

For me, Bournemouth is not only blessed with an enviable natural asset but has a cleverly designed but delicate infrastructure which must be preserved at all costs.

My sincere thanks to all those providers of our public services.

BRIAN G DALY Grove Road, Bournemouth