IT worked for Gordon Brown and it has worked for the people of Bournemouth.
Gordon, as we now know, can get in a right froth, venting his fury on anyone unlucky enough to be near his seething presence.
And what happened after his volcanic temper became public knowledge?
His poll ratings, bizarrely, went up.
Over the past 11 years the people of Bournemouth, too, have seethed with collective indignation over the Imax building that obscured a fine view over Poole Bay.
And what happened? The council agreed to substantially demolish it.
But the key issue now is what to do with that viewpoint site. Back in the ’90s, when the issue of developing the old Pier Approach Baths site was discussed, many backed the idea of providing a wet-weather facility. And, in theory, an Imax cinema wasn’t a bad idea.
What made the public’s hackles rise like the eyebrows of a vicar reading Nuts was the size of thing when it went up. Few had twigged how much of the bay view it would steal.
Now the council has seized the nettle and come up with seven ideas (ruling out a pool or ice rink) for what could replace it. And it’s up to you to let them know what you think. Soon.
It’s no good holding strong views in private, then bellyaching about what’s decided when it’s too late. Bournemouth cabinet makes its decision in just 109 days’ time.
So make your view on the viewpoint known. Right now, what you think should happen is still in with a good shout.
Rather like Mr Brown?
