I REALLY enjoyed reading Rev P Martin’s letter. It was so good to read about an enjoyable experience at Bournemouth beach.

Unfortunately Bournemouth has become one of the go-to places for stag and hen dos. Quite convenient when you have a direct rail line from London. However, I have never considered Bournemouth to be a place for long weekend binges. It never was. If you are after kiss-me-quick hats and candy floss you go to Margate, Southend, Brighton or Blackpool.

My friends and I are so sad when we reminisce about our love of Bournemouth. Not just because we were young.

The main attraction for us was that Bournemouth was unique. Town, gardens, beach, good shops, very interesting designer outlets in Westover Road. Fantastic indoor swimming pool at the BIC. Two cinemas, the Pavilion.

I know, I know, the answer to that is always “That was then”, “Move with the times” etc, which is fine if changes are for the good.

Stour Road is a major hazard for pedestrians and has been every year. Although there is a nursing home and elderly people’s accommodation, the fallen leaves have never ever been removed. Apart from being a major hazard to anyone unsteady on their feet it is also, of course, the cause for all the blocked drains.

The situation is totally unacceptable. We need road sweepers on a regular basis. Perhaps we should also have one of those awful signs with crooked bent over figures with a stick, as are evident in Southbourne and Wimborne.

It’s about time that “ordinary” people are considered when there is money to be spent.

Barrack Road and Stour Road is bad enough now without the new development.

Is there a plan to keep doddery old pedestrians off the roads and pavements?

MAGGIE ROSS

Belvedere Road, Bournemouth