Writing as someone who grew up in the Londonsuburbs, and has lived in Weymouth for seven years now, I feel I can talk with a balanced view.

We have events, surroundings and facilities to be truly proud of and we should concentrate and promote these before talking the negative.

Unfortunately a few too many who write into this column seem to want to talk things down: bins, litter, council offices, cyclists, cycle routes, dogs, BID, the youth, drinkers, road closures -the list goes on.

Things are not perfect but guess what? Every town in the UK has the rough with the smooth.

Some things we should be thankful for and proud of, such as Challenge Weymouth.

Only three weeks ago Weymouth hosted an international triathlon event with 1,500 participants and their supporters filled the town for the weekend and is set to return next year.

National Sailing Academy is a world class facility with accessible opportunities in sailing and windsurfing for locals as well as visitors.

The (not so new) New road has made the journey up north much easier and there are numerous cycle routes all over now making cycling a realistic transport choice and it’s great to see so many people use them.

We have new restaurants popping up all over and are busy which is a great sign of people spending money (look at Brewery square, Pie and Ale house, Dorset Burger Company or the Stables) We also have some great pubs with great beer.

We have housing that is in demand in some desirable areas, a beautiful harbour, famous beach and countryside that is outstanding. We should concentrate on these assets and talk the benefits up before putting things down. I wish the Weymouth BID, Weymouth council and their consultation process well in their upcoming decisions.

Chris Dawson

Clarendon Avenue

Weymouth