WE have been coming to Bournemouth for almost 50 years and our visit this year was the most upsetting.

The state of the town was a disgrace with the filthy streets and the huge number of closed shops.

The gardens were as always a delight to see and the contrast with the main shopping areas was huge.

If the council is trying to encourage visitors to the town they need a serious overhaul of their standards.

Perhaps a cut back in finances is partly responsible for the dreadful upkeep of the town, but surely there's only one opportunity to make a lasting impression on visitors.

We hope this letter will inspire somebody in authority to take a close look at the dreadful state of the pavements and arrange an urgent clean up.

EDWARD ELLIS

Benahavis, Malaga, Spain