WHAT a wonderful idea it was of Mark Thompson to suggest that we should make sure that when QEII goes out of commission that it is permanently moored in Southampton (Letters, May 8).

After all the draining talk about Southampton not having an attraction like the Spinnaker Tower, or the new proposed football stadium in Portsmouth, this would really give Southampton the edge.

I was really pleased that the city gave the go-ahead to the balloon company, this is a modern innovative idea and can be an attraction for everyone.

Two years ago my daughter bought me a balloon flight for my birthday, the idea is that one day I will be able to fly over Southampton because there is so much to see.

Due to continual high winds I have not been able to go up, so the fixed balloon idea is marvellous, and I look forward to using it.

I am pleased that the ice rink plans have not been abandoned as I used to use the rink every week all those years ago and it provided lots of fun and entertainment. I know that the rink last Christmas ran at a loss, but there was not enough funding from the retailers and it was too small and in the wrong place.

LYNNE KEMMISH, Hythe.