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The Lib Dem Council have
decided to close Boscombe pier due to
safety concerns.
While this
may be a necessary step to protect the public from a potential accident,
it is a scandal that the Council has done nothing to keep this landmark
attraction in better condition.
Built
at the turn of the century it has been the focal point for thousands
of visitors who, not only came by road to the seafront, but who
also docked on the pier on visiting pleasure cruises.
It
has been left idle for so long, with the end of the pier closed
off, it comes as no surprise that the gangway is now deemed unsafe.
Boscombe
needs visitors
Boscombe's biggest industry is tourism. The area therefore needs
to attract visitors. This means providing attractions which can
compete with other seafront towns in the UK and ensuring there are
plenty of places to park.
The
Lib Dem Council is committed to building flats on the the neighboring
car park, (see picture) spilling onto the promenade. Lack of adequate
parking will discourage visitors returning.
Seafront
Development
Money gained from the sale of the car park for flats is to be spent
on a surf reef. While this seems like an interesting addition to
the area, any residents are questioning whether spending £millions
of tax payers' money on this project will really provide the economic
regeneration the area so badly needs.
Residents are
now faced with the very sad prospect of watching Boscombe's primary
attraction succumb to the elements over the next few months and
crumble into the sea. A very sad end for such a valuable and popular
asset.
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