YOUR 'on the spot' feature in the March 28 edition of the Advertiser asked what could be done to attract more tourists to the area. The same edition mentioned how excited Billy Petrie was about the mysterious proposed new tourist attraction.

The majortiy of tourists and visitors to Helensburgh naturally head towards the Sea Front and are no doubt sorely disappointed.

As a resident of Helensburgh I am embarrassed at the state of the esplanade between the pier and Kidston Park.

The councils maintenance of this important area is a disgrace.

The surface of the walkway is poor, the grass is not properly cut or maintained, nor are the poor looking palm trees ever given any attention.

Whenever the decorative concrete installation is damaged by heavy seas it is 'repaired' by a variety of unsuitable materials which quite frankly look awful.

There are three areas along this walkway where very attractive small grey sets have been laid and these areas did improve the walkway considerably.

However, one area was damaged presumably by high seas and an area of approximately one metre of the sets was dislodged.

The repair of this area was, in my opinion, an act of vandalism by the council.

Rather than replace the damaged sets someone filled the damaged area with concrete.

Who is responsible for this pathetic attempt at a repair?

Should the council workmen who laid the concrete be disciplined? Should his supervisor take responsibility, or should our Helensburgh councillors own up to their neglect of the town?

The area mentioned has deteriorated badly since Victorian times and councillors should be ashamed of their ineptitude.

In any other part of the world a sea front area such as this would be a feature of the town and would have been developed and improved over the years rather than left to deteriorate.

Rather than spend their time bickering amongst themselves Helensburgh councillors should be looking at ways to improve the town, by at least insisting on proper maintenance of this important area.

J Allan Carrick John Street Helensburgh