Exchanging proud views

In particular, I felt the letter from a resident of middle-class Merton Road worthy of reply.

I am familiar with the Merton Road area, having lived nearby many years ago. I still visit friends on a regular basis, and therefore feel justified in making the following comments.

With regard to the changes in Basingstoke, I agree with Mr/Ms Merton Road that not all these are for the better. There are numerous architectural eyesores around the town, of which the garish Crown Heights is one.

I also agree with another correspondent that Victory Hill will probably go a similar way and look very tired in a relatively short space of time.

While the new town centre is attractive, it is a shame that the majority of shops are geared up for younger people, with there being a dearth of quality shops.

I do not think Basingstoke has a lot to shout about in terms of being proud. I have lived here all of my life and have seen the transition from market town to today's ongoing development, so I have the luxury of comparison, as do many older residents.

Yes, Basingstoke is an overspill town and it is in the main due to the ravages of the last war that places like this were chosen to relocate both people and businesses while London was rebuilt. We were swamped with Londoners in the 1960s and 1970s and more recently people from around the country - but I do not believe they are all as bad as Mr/Ms Merton Road intimates.

It is not the fault of the over-spill that Mr/Ms Merton Road recently attended a raucous wedding ceremony. More likely, the blame lies with the dramatic drop in our social standards and decency, which society needs to address urgently.

Concerning people's habits on returning home late at night, this is a national problem and not only peculiar to Basingstoke. It is again the mindless and morally-bereft minority who cause most of the problems.

With regard to the "monument to tasteless furniture", the correspondent ought to be well aware that to have items collected by the council, any said items must be highly visible to pick-up crews. Most people are tolerant of this, as it usually takes several days for collection to take place.

As for cultural experiences, National Trust is an excellent example in that it has many fine houses and gardens at which to marvel and provide inspiration.

The correspondent would do well to conduct a survey of their own home before berating the demerits of their neighbours.

-Name withheld, Bounty Rise, Basingstoke.

Sir.-It's nice to know there is so much tolerance and understanding concerning "Londoners".

There are two living close to "Name withheld" who have been in Basingstoke almost as long as they lived in London. They are proud of their heritage, as they are proud of their home. They still do their own garden and housework, with little or no help, and worked until they were 75.

"Name withheld" could learn from this conscientious couple, who have also raised five children.

There are many types of people where cleanliness and tidiness is not their main priority, whether they are from Hampshire, London or anywhere else.

Perhaps "Name withheld" could use his time constructively, instead of rubbishing all tax-paying citizens, and start enjoying the diversity of Basingstoke.

-A regular visitor to Merton Road, Basingstoke.

Sir.-Merton Road, like most of the town, is council built and it is only right that people should have access through it.

"Name withheld" obviously has a massive chip on his/her shoulder as they didn't make it on to the private estate and therefore have to delude themselves.

I moved down from Glasgow nearly 30 years ago and have lived in Abbey Road - in my own house, as do most residents - for 18 years.

I find these so-called overspillers some of the best people you can meet. They are friendly and hard-working and have enhanced a town which was nothing before they got here.

Just stay in your little fantasy and let real, ambitious people get on with their lives.

-T Seery, Abbey Road, Basingstoke.