BOURNEMOUTH Council is the poorer for the decision of ex-councillor Basil Ratcliffe to no longer serve the electorate of Southbourne.

This fact is borne out by the wise words contained in his letter (Echo April 16) expressing his effective deduction of the chequered career of ‘that surf reef’, costing millions and resulting in abject failure to serve its required purpose.

During the many years I served as a colleague of Basil, I well remember his well-considered words of caution when the question of proceeding with this ill-advised project was discussed.

The council can ill afford to lose the services of such well-informed members of the calibre of Basil Ratcliffe, as surely his knowledgeable formed opinion so keenly illustrates.

PHILIP WHITELEGG, Saxonhurst Close, Northbourne