I'VE READ with interest over the last few years he financial trials and tribulations of Morecambe Seafront and, in particular, The Dome, Bubbles and the Midland Hotel.

I am surprised at the lack of vision there appears to be in finding a suitable solution to the difficulties.

So, here's mine.

Morecambe should concentrate on making the most of its superb location, near the Lake District, Trough of Bowland and other areas of outstanding national beauty rather than being a tacky, second rate alternative to Blackpool.

The buildings mentioned are, as we know, set against one of the most beautiful backdrops in Britain and should be converted into a community-owned enterprise incorporating the highest levels of sustainable design. The Midland could be converted to a conference centre, powered by wave or wind power and restored inside to provide comfortable, energy efficient accommodation. Bubbles and The Done should be developed along the same lines of environmental design.

The growing market in all things environmental and organic would fit brilliantly in this location. The local council and Morecambe Bay partnership could help facilitate a community approach to this redevelopment by holding public participation sessions to flesh out these ideas and assist in instigating funding through European grants, regeneration money and repayable bonds and donations from local residents.

The project should be managed and run by local people, thus creating employment and keeping any income in the area, both in the redevelopment phase and ongoing running of the centre(s).

It's slightly up-market design would bring money in and help in Morecambe's regeneration.

While this may sound utopian and unaffordable, in the light of no better suggestions, the fact is that this area, judging by local election results, is one of the 'greenest' in the country and that we have massive brain power from one of the countries top universities in our district and you never know - miracles sometimes do happen.

Anyone got a better idea?

Chris Hartz

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.