Everyone is entitled to an opinion and I would like to voice my opinion on the derogatory letter from Mr Tim Griffiths (Your Say, September 15.

I am privileged to be Borough Mayor this year and have been to numerous functions and events within the borough and to other areas and contrary to Mr Griffiths’ views I do not share his negative views on the town.

I, too, had reservations about the traffic alterations in the town but reserved judgement until they were finished.

Although drivers may have to wait a few moments for lights to change, I do believe that traffic does flow more efficiently and I have not observed the town being ‘swamped with queues of cars’.

Granted there are times when there are more cars on the roads such us early morning and in the evenings and after special events like the carnival and veterans events – this is only to be expected and no different to before.

I have spoken to numerous taxi, bus and coach drivers who generally think that the situation has im-proved greatly although some tweaking might be needed.

The flower beds are of course empty as, until the Esplanade work was completed, there would be no point in planting. Has Mr Griffiths not seen the beautiful displays in Greenhill Gardens and Radipole Park?

Yes, there are railings around the King’s Statue, put there for obvious reasons, however visitors and locals look at the well-refurbished statue not at its base.

The other improvements along the Esplanade have generated mixed opinions, some for and some against.

The newly-designed kiosk is different but its design was carefully considered by the planning committee and all the pros and cons were considered thoroughly before permission was granted.

Of course anything new is viewed with suspicion by some and despite Mr Griffiths’ comments, councillors most certainly do consider residents’ views and opinions.

Responding to his comments about there being a ‘lot of useless clutter’ on the seafront, the whole purpose of the seafront regeneration scheme was to get rid of useless clutter and generally tidy up the area and make the place somewhere to be proud of – this has been achieved.

The town has not been ruined – stand by the Pavilion, Mr Griffiths, look along the Esplanade towards Bowleaze at our beautiful long promenade, clean beaches, individual shops and local characters.

As far as tourists are concerned I don’t know whether or not there have been more or less visitors this year, but when I have been in town on beautiful days the beach has been packed, the town has been buzzing and the town events such as the veterans’ weekend, the Spirit of the Sea Festival and Seafood Festival, carnival day, firework displays and numerous other events run by local people for locals and visitors alike have been very well attended.

I have spoken to many visitors at these events and have only received positive and encouraging comments such as how stunning is our gorgeous seafront, what a picturesque harbour we have and that we should be proud to live in such a lovely town.

Graham Winter, Mayor of Weymouth and Portland