Think about it - what's the alternative to Pavilion regeneration? (From Dorset Echo)

Think about it - what's the alternative to Pavilion regeneration?

10:22am Thursday 1st May 2008 in

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I am becoming tired of the constant whinging and criticism of the Pavilion development from a group of people who obviously have their own selfish reasons for stopping this much needed regeneration.

I would ask them to cast their minds back about 20 to 30 years when walking down St. Thomas Street was like walking through a deprived area with boarded up shops, litter blowing everywhere.

The Westham Road area had its old dilapidated buildings. There was the old, ugly Sidney Hall and Debenhams and Woolworths pulled out of the town.

Over the past few years we have seen a forward thinking council (no I am not a member of any political party or a councillor) that has taken the bull by the horns' and done its best to change Weymouth into a thriving seaside resort.

So, why are these people trying to stop further progress? It must be a lack of memory, or as I think they probably never lived here during those times.

If they consitently impede the Pavilion development they will have a shock.

Howard Holdings will pull out and no other developer will be willing to spend money on a project only to be held to ransom by a handful of misguided people.

I cannot understand why these people want the burden of the Pavilion on their council tax.

If the objectors come up with an alternative, detailed plan, secure a developer that can complete their wishes by 2012 and make a profit, then I say to them publish the details so we can see you are serious. I doubt if they can do this.

I have heard it all before. "Something should be done about it", they say, then go on to pass the buck.

A warning to all those voicing their opinion against this development. The alternative will be a crumbling Pavilion theatre costing the taxpayer huge sums of money.

It will then be demolished, and a huge fun fair will be put up in its place. Close your eyes and imagine that.

Max Mortimer, Chickerell Road, Weymouth.