HOW refreshing to read in the Echo that The Thatched House Inn in East Howe Lane is to be renovated and restored to its former glory by local developers in exchange for permission to build houses in the grounds.

There are so few thatched properties remaining in Bournemouth that it would be wonderful if a similar approach could be applied to the building and grounds of Moorside Cottage in Moordown.

While providing modern sea front attractions, Bournemouth should be mindful of its humble rural heritage: a significant number of her residents care deeply about conservation issues.

B HALLAM and J KING, Malvern Road, Moordown, Bournemouth