SIR - I hate to put a dampener on plans to enhance Worcester's waterfront but have we not heard all this before?

I recollect in l947 going down Copenhagen Street to watch an illuminated boat procession, part of the belated Victory celebrations. I was on demobilisation leave and chanced to meet up with my late father's cousin, a city alderman.

He was at great pains to tell me of plans to turn that part of the riverbank into pleasure gardens as a tribute to all who had fought. There was no doubt he meant business, too. Within a very short time the body of St Andrew's, Hounds Lane School and the Model dwellings had been demolished and St Andrew's Gardens came into being. It was very pleasant but on a much smaller scale than I had been led to expect. Work came to a halt and arguments developed concerning the best location for a new technical college. Many people would have preferred it outside the city boundary but the riverside was eventually chosen for this gem of modern architecture. Yes, it won architectural prizes for its design but many of us felt it was quite out of keeping with the nearby Cathedral and surroundings. Reluctantly we accepted the explanation that in the fullness of time the stonework would blend in with the Cathedral

And what of the proposed lighthouse? As a former mariner the only use I see for one is as a navigational aid to avert shipwrecks. As far as I am aware there is no history of shipwrecks in this section of the Severn, apart of course from the good intentions of our city council.

JOHN HINTON,

Worcester.