WHEN we moved to Christchurch I felt I had found the most perfect place in Britain to live.

Peace and quiet, a lovely harbour where we could spend many an hour watching the children crabbing.

Where folks always had time to stop and have a friendly chat.

The icing on the cake was the town centre with its small locally-owned shops and the absence of the big multinationals, giving the feeling of a country town. Plus, the friendly shop staff, no matter how busy, were always ready to help.

Unfortunately the larger chains started to move in and we began to lose many of our old favourites, only to be replaced with carbon copies of other town centre establishments.

In fact, the corner of the high street with Wick Lane now looks as if it would not be out of place in Piccadilly Circus.

Presumably Christchurch Council gave permission for all these changes, therefore how they could refuse permission for Morrisons who would have been a big asset to Christchurch and it’s employment without affecting the appearance of the town centre?

Also how can the council be against the refurbishment of the Druitt Hall when a generous offers has been made to meet the costs, as the Druitt Hall has been such an asset to the town over the years.

I have been employed in local government for most of my working life and I always had the highest regards for the citizens who gave up their time to act as councillors for the betterment of their town.

However the rot started when councillors started to get paid for their services.

Therefore, with regret, I am sorry to say I feel that Christchurch Council is no longer an asset to the town but a handicap and I note that the councillors were quick to give themselves an eight per cent rise in their allowances despite many being on a pay freeze. Is it not time we had a Christchurch People’s party, so we could vote in new councillors who would act in the interest of the town without political bias and dogma?

Christchurch is still a wonderful place to live but it would be even better if we got a council who listen to its citizens.

JOHN DEWDNEY, Nelson Drive, Christchurch