I AM a person returning to live in Morecambe after an 18 year absence and I am greatly disturbed by the articles I have read recently with regard to the Midland Hotel.

If the Midland has to be closed and boarded up it will be the beginning of the end of Morecambe's regeneration. Hopefully by now all concerned parties are talking to each other. There are questions to be asked about the entire proceedings with regard to the collection of business rates for the past nine years. The most pressing question of all is why did the council fail to acknowledge the current manager of the Midland, Margaret Yates, when she offered to make business rate payments (Citizen: February 4). My own question for the council is why the sale of the Midland, Bubbles and the Dome mentioned together by a council officer recently. He gives the impression he would like to see a hotel complex for conference and business people.

Oh dear, I though the council was trying to sell Morecambe and the surrounding area for tourism first and foremost. Please, let's keep Bubbles and the Dome where they are and as they are. Update and upgrade them by all means but don't demolish them.

The Midland has the potential to be a top class establishment. Once the hotel is sold to the right person the potential is vast. I would say to the council as a whole, keep listening to what the local community and business community wants. More entertainment venues for tourists and locals alike. You have done a great job with the Stone Jetty, West End Regeneration and latterly the promenade and Platform.

To the people of Morecambe I would say if you do not want something or have any suggestions then tell your council - there is such a thing as people power.

But also, if you like something they have done, let them know and use it or lose it.

Sue Thompson,

Morecambe.

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