WHAT a lot of curmudgeonly piffle your anonymous correspondent writes about our beautiful town of Bournemouth (‘Ashamed at how tatty the town is’, Letters, October 25).

I am writing both as a resident of Bournemouth all my life and as a councillor – so at least I can say I am doing something about the town I live in, rather than sitting at home and moaning about everything in total ignorance of the facts.

Despite the deepest recession in living memory, our town is thriving. Our parks and gardens are magnificent and are regularly recognised nationally with awards. l The once neglected Pavilion has been restored, its Dance Centre is bustling and innovative, and next to it Bournemouth Arts University has opened a Drama Centre with popular cafe on the terrace overlooking the gardens.

Our seafront is looking better than ever and is full of people of all ages at all times of the year engaging in watersports, beach sports and other healthy pursuits.

Our residents are proud to be the leaders in recycling rubbish in the whole country, our roads are well maintained, and we have a dedicated team removing graffiti as quickly as it appears.

We are instigating a series of Festivals to entice more visitors to the town - the Air Festival, the Arts Festival by the Sea, the Chess congress and more are exciting and popular and further exciting events are planned for coming years.

One thing we cannot control is the behaviour of a small minority of people, who cause the problems your correspondent complains about.

But most people using our town absolutely love it here, love the bustling, cosmopolitan town centre, love the easy, cheap parking, love the clean air, the beautiful views the cultural and sporting opportunities and wonderful, relaxed atmosphere.

We are all entitled to our opinions, but in my view Bournemouth is unrivalled anywhere in Britain.

CLLR ANNE FILER, East Cliff and Springbourne, Bournemouth Council