On my recent visit to your lovely town, last Thursday morning, with great anticipation I visited your town centre Christmas Market.

Oh what a disappointment! Instead of spending the morning, I spent ten minutes! Is this the best Bournemouth can manage?

Reading the Echo, I see the Beales boss has also complained, and no wonder. So many stalls sold all the same items of knitted clothing - surely a great variety of goods is needed?

Regarding the mention of an ice rink - what a great idea! Here in East Hertfordshire one large garden centre annually installs a huge outdoor rink, with refreshments and lighting and skating "penguins" for children to hold, and it is a massively popular attraction. No alcohol, just families enjoying hours of festive fun.

It would also have been nice to see a large, carefully designed nativity scene prominently displayed in the market, instead of the rather lonely attempt down in the gardens.

Bournemouth should emulate the many excellent Christmas Markets held throughout Europe, and give visitors a real reason to visit your town.

P Hibberd (Mrs), Vicarage Rd, Buntingford, E.Herts