THERE is no reason for Southampton to imitate Portsmouth and Brighton with costly observation towers, balloons and follies, including lasers.

Southampton has maritime history in abundance, beginning with invasions by the Romans and the French.

Since the Middle Ages troops have sailed off to war from the docks and the Pilgrim Fathers must have waded through the Weston Shore mud. Then there was the sailing of Titanic.

Hythe was the base of British powerboats where Scott Paine's genius, supported by Lawrence of Arabia, designed and constructed new types of Royal Navy fighting craft and RAF air sea rescue launches.

In the very middle of so much underrated activity sits the Royal Pier and many readers have made pleas for it to be restored.

Instead of merely restoring it, let us make it our wow factor. Reconstruct it, preserving the front and other listed sections, but building a main section three or more storeys high, fronting Southampton Water, with halls, verandahs, glazed lounges, cafes and restaurants to allow ample viewing of our latest unique feature - the regular and growing passing of the world's greatest of cruise ships.

Entrance fees and trading licences would provide income and it would be essential to provide ample parking, which would also be profitable.

The close proximity of this to WestQuay shopping, the boat show, Tudor House and the antiquities of the old Southampton within the walls would benefit. Properly planned, Spitfire, Titanic and other sections could be included.

Let us build on our history, and add modern features to appeal to the present and future generations, and be a growing attraction for years to come.

GEOFFREY HARRISON, Bassett, Southampton.