WE HAVE so many groups in today’s society that seem to have undue influence on elected councillors.

One in Wimborne is the Civic Society. They did not appear to oppose the demolition of the 100-year-old Virginia creeper on the Kings Head Hotel but created a lot of fuss about a shutter on a shop in the Square, it being deemed ‘out of character’.

It was replaced at a cost to the shop owner. This was done to preserve the character of The Square.

Now, through Veronica King, there is praise for the total destruction of the character of The Square.

Thankfully, the creeper survives.

After the war Southampton’s character vanished. Wimborne Square is now being blitzed.

Fifteen years ago and for many years it was the Town Centre Enhancement scheme.

Money was available from time to time. Recently, it became the Town Square Enhancement scheme.

In my view it is the High Street that has a greater claim to be the town centre.

From The Square to Clock House traders would benefit from traffic-free access.

Certainly more trade is carried on there than in The Square.

The new layout, will suit the robed mayor, the town crier, the musket men, the various town scouts; even the Morris Men can prance around there. How did we manage without them all?

Mention has been made of sitting idly enjoying coffee and the chatter of friends.

The smokers sitting close by might be a problem. A spilt drink will soon destroy the ‘modern’ appearance of our town.

The wind can be a problem with no protection from a tree. The tree soon vanished when it was found that it would hinder machinery needed to carry out the enhancement. We are told a new tree will be planted.

Those planted at Waitrose store are constantly broken off, so it is highly unlikely that a mature tree will ever grace The Square again.

I have found very few in favour of the changes. A bus stop permanently in West Borough, that must by crazy.

JACK LOVELAND Parkwood Road, Wimborne