It is said before one criticises others one should look at one's self in the mirror.

I wish Southend Council would do the same, it might just see where it is going wrong.

First we had the High Street fiasco, which, according to cabinet member David Garston, was going to be done as economically as possible.

However, it has been up and down more times than the new lifts at the end of the High Street.

Now retail units are failing to attract businesses in the new bus station - Southend's answer to the Millennium Dome. Having seen the number of people using the site at any one time I think starting a business there would be financial suicide.

Now we have yet another debate on the future of Southend Pier. After spending thousands on consultation fees, no suggestions have been taken up.

Councillor Anne Holland has suggested that the views are brilliant and it would be excellent for fishing, bird watching and even better if more boats were encouraged to visit the pier.

Why would they want to come? This will not sustain enough income to maintain the pier, Southend's most famous attraction.

Tony Garner's plan for the pier should be reconsidered. It would create a good reason for more boats to call and more tourists to visit Southend in general.

This in turn would earn money for the council and help finance local services.

The reason Victorians visited Southend was for leisure and pleasure. So let's keep it that way, but with a modern approach.

V Smith
Yarnacott
Shoebury