I REFER to Jim O’Brien’s letter re the Surf Reef (Echo, November 15).

Mr O’Brien is absolutely right. Did the peeople responsible for the reef and the complete waste of money, consult local mariners, ie the yachters and local fishermen with reference to sea conditions off Boscombe. I doubt it.

There’s no fun without expensive consultations with so-called experts – a stroll down to the local fishermen would have given the true picture re sea conditions.

Whilst serving in the Royal Navy, 1958 to 1986, I completed two commissions, serving on Blackwood class frigates HMS Dundas and HMS Exmouth.

They were very low waterline ships used for sonar training.

Based at Portsmouth, but operating lower down the channel, we trained sonar ratings in all weathers and on a Thursday evening returned at speed to Portsmouth harbour to fuel, repair and grant leave.

Many a time in winter, the skippers navigated inside the Isle of Wight leaving it to starboard (right) because there was no “sea running”, in relatively calm conditions thus saving time and fuel.

Nothing has changed over the years and Mr O’Brien’s points in his letter were correct.

I suggest local folk were not consulted over this matter prior to spending other people’s money, but of course lessons will be learnt!

M J POPE,CPO RN Retired Cutlers Place, Colehill, Wimborne