THERE have been many excellent letters published in the Citizen in recent weeks, detailing the extra cost to the local taxpayer of things like cycleways, bridges, lighting in parks and primary schools.

It would seem that many of these costly problems could have been avoided if responsible local government officers had carried out proper planning.

The Midland Hotel eyesore is another matter, though. I believe some previous owners were slow at paying their local taxes.

However, the delay by Urban Splash in presenting their plans for the Midland area I find rather interesting.

Does anyone suspect, maybe, that the company is waiting for the Government to publish its reforms on gambling? Then Urban Splash could possibly build a Casino that will regene-rate Morecambe. And will the council get involved?

And with seven shows out of 10 failing financially in London, two breaking even and just one showing a profit, have the Friends of the Winter Gardens got it right or will this theatre become another eyesore?

A Peel, Morecambe.