IT IS really positive to see new investment in regenerating Boscombe all the way along to Pokesdown station and I am sure we could all benefit.

However, we do need to all be involved in the discussions and ensure that the money is spent properly in a way that provides long term benefit.

I would suggest that there are bigger priorities than building a new Sovereign Centre.

In the 0.8 miles between Pokesdown Station and Boscombe McDonald's there are 45 empty commercial units.

This needs to be addressed urgently and BCP should be subsidising rents, business rates and utilities on these units (or even compulsorily purchasing them!) and actively seeking out new businesses to move in and start operating there.

This would provide employment, and attract more people to visit the area.

Together with business investment there are very real social problems in Boscombe that need to be addressed.

Many people like to complain about addicts and the mentally ill but fail to remember that addiction can be managed.

If we invest in supporting an addict we will be repaid many times over by having a productive person contributing more to society.

Addiction is an illness and we should blame the patient for not being able to access sufficient treatment - and I know there are many people working extremely hard to help those less fortunate.

In summary - we need to get the 45 empty commercial units up and running as businesses and help those who have fallen by the wayside.

This would regenerate Boscombe much more effectively than a new Sovereign Centre and several hundred houses.

Jason Ward

Bournemouth