What a lovely poem J Baker from Totton wrote on the letters page and, oh, so very true.

How amazing would it be to have the Royal Pier restored to its former glory?

Southampton City Council keep on about a “wow” factor; well, surely this would be it.

Just think how fantastic this would be for all ages, people of Southampton and visitors alike, to enjoy and watch cruise ships, etc, sail by whilst having afternoon tea/lunch/ice-cream in a cafe/bar on the pier.

We have so much potential and I feel that the council is more interested in having more shops, casinos, cinemas and restaurants – but we’ve got more than enough of these and you only have to walk through the town to see empty shops.

We have got so much to offer in Southampton and I feel that the council is not really listening.

We have so much history here and this could also be added along the pier for people to read and why not have a lookout tower (something similar to Gunwharf’s Spinnaker Tower) or a tribute to the Spitfire?

My parents met at the Royal Pier and have so many wonderful memories, so come on Southampton council, let’s have our pier back to create even more memories for our future.

LOUISE ROWE, Sholing, Southampton.