Congratulations to the residents, the local councils, restaurants, shops, bars, local police and even the traffic wardens for making Weymouth and the surrounding area a wonderful place to have purchased a holiday home for my family and friends.

In the East Midlands we have high crime, scruffy cities and very busy stressed-out lives. At weekends. bank holidays and school holidays, I need to get away from this.

Where do you go for the weekend, France? Spain? No, you clear your desk, take a four-hour journey south to Weymouth, unlock the front door, put the shorts on, pick up the Dorset Echo and collect our provisions, locally of course - and it's absolute paradise.

What could be better? When reading the Echo letters page, however, I do find it rather annoying.

Resorts like Weymouth must be forward-thinking. Please look forward to the proposed improvements of the Pavilion area and the new roads.

These will encourage investment into Weymouth now. This will be only good for Weymouth's prospects in the future and ensure other companies will invest here, providing better employment for local people.

If you need proof what a standstill council achieves look at Skegness, Lincolnshire!

I do feel guilty about not contributing more into the community, but at least my spare cash is staying in this country and not abroad.

My council tax is paid in full, less about 5 per cent, although I don't need schools and other community services. I enjoy paying this charge because it makes me feel I am contributing for being here.

I look forward to the drive down - the hold ups, on the A31 & A35 are well worth it.

Citizens of Weymouth, you are all very lucky to live and work in the Dorset area. Let's all make it better. Change is not wrong!

Ian Smith, address supplied