I, TOO, have read the letter on the state of the town to which Cllr Beesley has responded in such a high-handed manner ( Sat 27 Oct) and I find myself in complete agreement with your original correspondent (Thurs 25 Oct).

I have seen piles of rubbish and empty cans and bottles under trees and bushes in the Gardens opposite the supermarket in the square.

The proliferation of sign boards advertising empty shops and offices are there for all to see, a consequence of the lack of diversity in the main shopping areas caused by high rents and rates.

The tatty pier front ‘amusements’ epitomise a run-down resort that has simply run out of ideas. The lack of foresight and long term strategy has come home to roost.

Even the BIC can no longer attract the conferences for which it was purpose built.

We have an astonishing number of developments for student accommodation, totally dependent on the University being able to attract sufficient numbers of students to fill them.

Cllr Beesley says that antisocial behaviour is not the fault of the Council. Well whoever is to blame, the Bournemouth of my youth has long gone.

GEOFF COOPER, Methuen Road, Bournemouth