Yet again we find ways to draw people to Southampton with big ideas and developments and yet again we hear from the same old moaners.

If it's not the laser gateway, then it's the super casino, if it's not the casino, then it's Ikea.

Do the people of Southampton not want the city to be more prosperous, do they not want more job opportunities for us and our children?

Do they not want to live in a city that they can be proud off?

The laser gateway is costing the city nothing, if we reject this idea then we loose the grant allocated to us, yes this is our tax money but if we don't use it then some other city or town will benefit from it.

I am not a great fan of the idea but at least let's give it a chance and give it a trial period.

The new super casino will benefit Southampton greatly - new jobs and the regeneration of an area that is desperate for development.

All this is good for Southampton and good for its visitors, especially those disembarking from the great cruise ship that berth in the docks.

With many visitors from foreign shores, I am sure people will agree that grown-ups are old enough and wise enough to decide if they want to visit a casino. We have casinos in Southampton now and just because there's a chance a bigger one could be built doesn't mean it will encourage people to visit it, we are grown-ups and understand our own minds and limitations.

However Southampton belongs to its people and not a few narrow-minded councillors who make decisions on our behalf.

I am a great believer that when some big development is proposed then it should be down to the residents off Southampton to vote and decide on decisions.

I am seriously thinking about running for council in the near future, mainly because I am fed-up with the way the city is run at the moment.

We are the laughing stock of the south coast and are on the verge off losing everything to our rivals in Portsmouth.

I call apon the people of Southampton to stand up, be proud of were you live, yearn for developments and opportunities not only for ourselves but for our children and future generations.

I want to live in the best city on the south coast, the city everyone wants to visits. Do you?

D FRANKLIN, Southampton.