I’D like to take issue with Councillor Bob Paignton over his remarks on Swaythling’s new complex, City Gateway, condemning it less than a few weeks after completion.

He refers to the building as a blot on the landscape – well look around you Bob. How about the student skyscraper block in Wessex Lane, around the corner from you, still covered in protective wire matting from top to bottom, which has been like that for over a year?

Or the giant white metal box called Fords which can be seen for miles around, where you once worked? Or maybe you’ve not seen those monstrous blocks of flats spread all over the bottom of the city? They are the real blots on the landscape (including the Royal Pier).

Be thankful for the chance to put Swaythling on the map with, in my opinion, this great building. Go forward and praise it, not condemn it, you’re better than that.

Having been your next door neighbour all those years ago, with your lovely family who were great friends, please don’t take my remarks as personal, they are not, but I completely disagree with your opinion of the new City Gateway.

T SCOTT, Southampton.