DURING the 1970s, I worked for a three-office firm of estate agents mainly from their Kinson branch.

Even back then the parade on the corner of Wimborne Road and Millhams Lane was unattractive, although it contained a supermarket and other smaller shops, with flats above.

It was never really busy unlike in those days, shops on the main road. I use to do a lot of my shopping in the village, also in Winton.

I bought my suits, including tailor made, from HC Peal, no longer trading.

I hope the proposed new Tesco development will bring back the heart of the Bournemouth suburb.

In the eight years I was there, I always found the Kinson folk friendly.

Also, as a part time hobby, friends and I use to have a mobile disco called the Orange Oblivion and we undertook many gigs at the Sports Club.

Now my sons live near to Castlepoint on land I had to measure, long before it was developed.

RICHARD F GRANT, semi-retired estate agent, Burley