A LOT is being said of late regarding the wow factor in relation to Southampton. It is rather sad to see how the city seems to have deteriorated over the years since I opened a business here in 1961, especially in comparison with Portsmouth I suppose.

OK, there is the huge shopping area of WestQuay, but I have read letters in the Daily Echo from people saying that they preferred shopping at Tyrrell & Green, and my wife and I agree with this. Something is missing, though, and it must be agreed that it is a wow factor.

I was recently privileged to see photographs of some of parts of Spain, and in particular of Barcelona, and how impressive this place is.

It has absolutely phenomenal architecture, and what I found myself thinking "This is what you call a wow factor, truly''.

I know that there are two factors that allow that country to have the benefit of such beautiful architecture, the climate, and no major bombing in a war, and they are lucky in that.

Nevertheless, Southampton seems to have lacked the foresight to make the most of possibilities, such as the old city walls.

A truly great replica of the Spitfire, in the right place, and not the monstrosity stood on its tail I have seen so much of in the Daily Echo, will be a start. Let us go for it as a starter.

EWEN HENTALL, Nursling.