I can well understand the frustration Coun Nigel Reed may have with the various rumours that have been circulated regarding the Pavilion project from a very small minority of supposed business people in the town (Investor joins the Pavilion project', Echo, January 9).

Those that perpetuate such rumours do great discredit to the business community.

I would however like to point out that at last Monday's management committee meeting I spoke on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and re-confirmed the chamber's policy of support for the Howard Holdings development of the Pavilion site.

It is heartening to hear that Europa Capital have the confidence to invest in the planning phase of the project.

Speaking personally as an ex Weymouth hotelier who was born on the seafront and who has spent the past few years marketing Weymouth as a tourist destination, I find it hard to understand how this development can be anything other that a major boost to the economic prosperity of the town for the future.

Andy Cooke, President Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Church Street, Weymouth.