THE proposed laser display from the Civic Centre would be an utter waste of money at a time when cash is needed in such quantity for hospitals, carers for the elderly and many more issues.

We already have this picture of so-called art costing £250,000 and numerous other items called art.

I was born and bred in Southampton and always very proud to say this was my city. Not any more though, as although I lived away from it for many years, when I lost my husband in 1990 and being alone, eventually I was delighted to feel I was coming back home to my city.

What joy I felt with going to town Plummers, Tyrell & Green, M&S and Owen Owen, gradually it all went and WestQuay arrived which to me was an utter disaster, so much so I no longer go there.

I have read many letters from people like myself who are disappointed to see our lovely city destroyed.

I feel so sad to think of just how wonderful our city once was.

MRS E GILBERT, Southampton