WITH the forthcoming proposal for Southampton's "new image" (Echo, June 9), may I suggest the first action to be taken be to tear down that monstrosity they call 'the pier'?

I was fortunate enough to take cruise a few months ago. As is custom, most passengers go up on deck to take in the 'sailaway', and view the local scenery. The first thing to come into view is that decaying pier.

Now, most of the passengers come from all over the country, (some as far as Scotland). This will probably be their only lasting memory of Southampton.

I felt quite embarrassed listening to some of the comments, (not wanting to say I was local). Let's hope this proposal is take on board (excuse the pun).

Ash Bundy

Southampton.