I WAS sad, like most people, to see the pier pavilion burn down over a month ago. I can understand many people have personal memories of experiences on the pier

I WAS sad, like most people, to see the pier pavilion burn down over a month ago. I can understand many people have personal memories of experiences on the pier, but so we have of the old pier with the steamers, Knightstone Baths, the Rozel and the Tropicana, which have all gone.Instead we have an influx of nightclubs and bars open half the night. Many people do not feel safe to walk through the town in the evening, even to catch a bus, or stroll along the seafront to see the lights and watch the tide come in. Instead of having a 'special memorial service' as it was termed, and praying about the loss of the pier, we should be praying for the people whose lives are being ruined by alcohol and drugs. A large percentage of hospital beds and A&E wards are taken up by alcohol-related illnesses and incidents.Why were the owners granted a licence to sell alcohol when it is a family entertainment venue? Also, the council and the powers-that-be have stated that the Michaels will be given all the support they need, whatever that means. Are they to be given a free hand in the rebuilding of the pier? What about the businesses on the other side of the town who are struggling to make a living, what assistance will they get? The pier is a privately owned business yet they appealed to the general public for donations to rebuild. The Michaels have stated that they are fully insured. Then we read that the donations will pay for a memorial to the building and money will also go to charity. In the August 21 edition of the Mercury Mr Michael states: "All the money raised will go towards creating this model of the old pavilion, which is to be four metres. "The model will be very detailed, we have even given the company making it photographs of the pavilion the weekend before the fire so they can include the right flags." MRS FULLER - Worle