AS a Bournemouth town centre councillor, I was very interested to read Ruth Cooke’s views on Bournemouth’s night time economy (‘Bad behaviour so predictable’, May 4) and although I fully understand the perceptions that she drew (‘Bournemouth one of “least peaceful” places in UK, study says’, Daily Echo April 25) I believe this does not fully represent the true picture of the town at night.

Bournemouth council remains focused on reducing any negative effects that result from the night time economy and we are continuing to introduce new measures, above those that the enforcement authorities use, to develop the evening and night experience for both visitors and residents.

As a major coastal resort we naturally have a strong leisure offer that includes hotels, bars, pubs and clubs.

With the potential for over 40,000 people to be in the town at night, it is not unexpected that there will be a minority who will misbehave.

I can only emphasise that with the huge efforts of Dorset Police and our council teams we work hard to minimise this.

It may be of interest that in 2007 Bournemouth became the first town in the country to establish a specific role to look at the evening and night economy. Whilst a dramatic change overnight is unrealistic, we are striving hard for improvements and with every expectation of making a real difference in the medium to long term.

CLLR DAVE SMITH, Town Hall, Bournemouth