Yet another set of plans for the pier are trundled out for us to debate.

I suppose the media have to give coverage, but quite honestly how can we believe anything on pier proposals after decades of being presented with plans that always result in nothing?

I have to give credit to Tony Garner for his determination in wanting to develop the pier, but the reality is, as we all know so well, nothing will happen. Well, not until the next set of plans come along.

Someone out there has yet to grasp we are talking about a 100-year-old iron structure built out into the Estuary to move people off and on ships during high and low water.

Now after years of mismanagement by the council and countless disasters, it has managed to survive and retain some charm and dignity.

The latest plans can't be seen as a sympathetic development, but as far as Southend goes it is in keeping with all the other ghastly developments in the town, especially when it comes to important historic aspects of the town's heritage.

Perhaps we have reached that time when the pier should be handed over lock stop and barrel to either Tony Garner or Philip Miller to do with it what they like.

They can do no worse than Southend Council and we can at least have a pier of some description. It wont be to everyone's liking, but will that really matter? A pier at Southend is better than no pier at all.

By the way that tall office block structure in the plans would be a great place for the proposed new Civic Centre but would it really be necessary for it to be joined to the rest of the structure? Nah.

Chris Jones
Hollytree Gardens
Rayleigh

...The Echo's leader (Echo, Apr 18) begs the question: Is this the plan to save our pier? We don't think so.

Like many people, we have been highly critical of Southend Council's intransigence over the future of the pier. So in one respect it is good to see plans being put forward for debate.

This, however, is too important to be left to a single developer. It should be the subject of an international architectural competition, then we can see some of the best minds apply their design knowledge and creative skills to it.

The artist's impression looks dull and uninteresting. It is too reminiscent of the concrete brutalism era of the Sixties.

So, come on people of Southend, make a fuss. This is YOUR pier and the reputation and future of Southend is very much at stake here.

Vin Harrop director
Architecture Centre Essex
Rosslyn Road, Billericay

...THE good news for Southend is coming nonstop.

First the airport, now the pier regeneration plans.

But for a few of us thick ratepayers and cynics who cannot understand high finance as operated by Southend Council, there appear to be a few unanswered questions.

It appears the cabinet is dispensing of our assets at giveaway prices.

The airport got a £2million grant from somewhere then a 99-year lease at a peppercorn rent and shared profit from the council.

The lease is currently up for sale at originally £100million with offers above £50million.

The telephone numbers have now moved on to the pier. The Echo has revealed a £50million revamp of the pier by entrepreneur Tony Garner. Good on him.

What I want to know is what will be the future status of the pier?

Will the freehold belong to Southend with a 99-year lease, or will it be handed over outright to Mr Garner?

Nowhere has this been mentioned. Could planning officer Steve Kearney enlighten us?

Len Lierens
Southchurch Road
Southend