THE idea of spending hundreds of thousands of pounds on laser lights shining out of the Civic Centre clock tower is wacky.

Surely this huge sum, also that spent on the so-called tablecloth painting, could be spent elsewhere on a sensible project.

For example, a couple looking out from a cruise ship as it arrived in Southampton were heard to have said when they saw the remains of our Royal Pier "Perhaps that is Second World War bombing damage the Brits have not got around to rebuilding yet!'' Please note city fathers: bright lights should be way down the pecking order when Southampton is attempting to shine again.

HUGH CLEVERLY, Fair Oak.