DUE to job commitments I relocated from Weston to Norfolk in late 2006.

DUE to job commitments I relocated from Weston to Norfolk in late 2006.

My work in Cambridge takes me all over the UK and when it's the West Country I often stay in Weston in preference to Bristol.

It was very sad to watch on TV the fire destroy the Grand Pier last July. Soon after I was staying in Weston on business and saw the wrecked structure. It numbed me as I thought of all the ways the pier had been in my life since my first visit in the 1970s. Last month I was in Weston again; the wreckage was gone which made me hope progress was afoot.

Accessing national news on the other side of the country I now discover planning has been approved and that a rebuild will result in the town having a feature and attraction that will be the envy of resorts around the world and should be the pride of the townspeople.

Living in East Anglia I was most pessimistic after the fire last July, chiefly because I was aware of the situation with Southend's pier which was (only) partially destroyed by fire back in October 2005.The latest from the local council there is that "It hopes to secure grants then match-fund" to start rejuvenation.

Nine months passing in Weston results in planning approved and a schedule set with the completion and opening set for less time than Southend will have taken to still be "Hoping for grants".

As a former town centre manager for and a life-long friend of Weston, I offer heartfelt congratulations particularly to the pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael for their vision and commitment and to North Somerset Council on their support, and I look forward to the 'Grand Opening' next year.

Now; what about the Tropicana?

TED DAVEY

Saxon Way

Bar Hill

Cambridge