Don't plan for now '“ think of the long term

We need to have a view how we would like to see the town looking in 100 or so years' time, even if it cannot all be implemented now.

While accepting the practical difficulties of closing the Esplanade, if it can be achieved, it would help to make Bognor a stronger tourist destination, as well as providing a stronger sense of community to the town.

Climate change, and the good weather in Bognor, should encourage us to help people get out of their cars and enjoy the sunshine for which Bognor is renowned.

If so, St Modwen should at least be encouraged to look at the practical possibilities, even though it may take time to achieve.

That way, future generations might look to us as the generation that had the vision and the foresight to make the Esplanade more of a pedestrian paradise, even if it was not fully achievable in our own lifetimes.

Chris Bemrose, The Steyne, Bognor Regis

Jan Cosgrove questions BRighter Bognor's credentials (Observer, June 26). I am happy to enlighten him.

BRighter Bognor is non-party political and welcomes considered and civilised debate about regeneration across Bognor Regis.

In general, we support mixed-use development on the Regis and Hothamton sites proposed by St Modwen. We support the other proposals for developing the university site and its use by the community. We support improvements to the economy of the town.

All these proposals follow the principles for urban regeneration espoused by Lord Rogers. However, we reserve judgment on the final plans until we see them.

We began in January because many local residents were unhappy at the behaviour of the more strident detractors of St Modwen's concept. Many people wanted measured and constructive consideration of what was offered, and we try to provide that.

Our membership now exceeds 160 (new members always welcome '“ see www.brighterbognor.co.uk). We are recognised by West Sussex County Council, Arun District Council and the University of Chichester, and are members of the Bognor Regis Regeneration Vision Group.

At the April meeting of CiVic we presented our ideas and answered questions.

I also attended their June meeting which focused on the town poll and the choice of entertainment provider.

Mr Cosgrove was absent from both. He could have read about BRighter Bognor in the Bognor Regis Observer. Perhaps he is too busy writing to the paper to read it.

Stan Jonas, chairman, BRighter Bognor

THE FACT the results of the town poll were poo-pooed by Cllr Gill Brown as having no relevance to the '˜overall debate' on regeneration brings to mind the saying '˜don't confuse me with the facts '“ I have made up my mind'.

I wonder which parties are considered appropriate to join in this overall debate and by whom.

I also wonder whether they have a real interest in the town's future or have other priorities.

I would like to see the overall debate on the future of Bognor Regis much more open so its people, its visitors, not Arun, will actually benefit from and be happy with the results of many years of really upsetting upheaval, demolition and construction.

That seems to be a good straightforward aim to me, without the need for it to be iconic, vibrant, exciting, landmark or any other PR adjective that springs to mind!

John Stanley, Sylvan Way, Bognor Regis