IT was great to read that additional funds were to be spent on Bournemouth council’s economic development work. In a world where we now need to compete globally for inward investment and jobs, this investment is vital for the better prospects of our young people and also to maintain and improve the amenities which all residents can enjoy.

However, how about putting this reported £250,000 into the bringing together of the economic development activities of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and East Dorset? Put all the resources together, with one office. At the moment, everybody is paddling their own canoe and, apart from residential construction, the level of significant job creating investment in the conurbation over the last 10 years has been worryingly low. Everyone is trying to set out their own stall for inward investment and tourism. Yes – no doubt there will be a response of “but we do talk together”, but that’s not enough.

One office, one budget and one special product to sell – this Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch conurbation which presents such unique diversity set in a beautiful place. That’s what people are attracted to – they can’t see the joins.

Better value for money, better promotion and much better prospects of success. The whole is even more attractive than the sum of its parts. Let’s take down the barriers and really work together to sell our area as one very attractive place to live, work and visit. With the funding apparently available, opportunity knocks.

ALDERMAN DOUGLAS EYRE, Kirby Way Bournemouth