WHAT is happening in this city in which I was raised? Re architecture, I feel on the same wavelength as Gregory Cooper (In My View, January 24).

Also, we now have the O2 Guildhall instead of the once lovely Southampton Guildhall, which, along with the interior of our beautiful Civic Centre, is falling into disrepair.

Kuti’s Royal Thai Pier instead of Southampton’s Royal Pier. Is The Bargate next for “takeover” – and the Old Walls?

Will The Old Wool House become yet another eatery?

There will be virtually no public access to the waterfront if the latest proposals go ahead. And further reduction of access if Mayflower Park is reduced by the Spitfire Monument – although the latter deserves a special site.

How about a new pier with the Spitfire as a “wow” factor for visiting liners with other tourist and citizen attractions? Not yet more eateries and luxury pads on the waterfront!

While on the subject of Mayflower Park, could the children’s play area not be returned to its former site away from the traffic fumes, with constructed toilets?

Toilets or the lack of them in convenient places have recently been a subject in the Echo letters which I also heartily endorse.

Now we learn that the Western Esplanade Development is to include yet more eating places. Where are all the people who can afford to make them viable?

No council of whatever political persuasion seems to stop the rot. Who can help us? For whom can we vote?

JEAN E GLUE, a concerned long-time citizen/council taxpayer, Southampton.