THE wow factor that is required for Southampton will not be achieved by any one of the suggestions made so far - laser lights, Spitfires, pier changes, obelisks etc - but by having them all and more.

Maybe then our city could be seen as a wow place to visit and live.

It need not cost the earth either as I'm sure local buisneses would be willing to pay advertisment fees for a small plaque of their company near the attractions.

Another way of cost effectivness could be to allocate spaces around the city and allow schools, colleges, universities or any individual to produce and exhibit their work for a limited period of say six months, thereby creating a constant and changing city display, which if people did not particularly like, they would have the satisfaction of knowing it would be replaced soon (dare I say not like some of our present structures?).

STEVE ALSFORD, Bitterne Village, Southampton.