IN RESPONSE to MP Gary Streeter's remarks about the Civic Centre being 'the ugliest thing outside Dudley' (Friday), may I suggest that if he looks at other towns and cities he will find a lot more uglier.

I agree with A Rennie who wrote: "The Life Centre is very unattractive. It is a monstrosity which spoils the view of Central Park".

To my mind the city centre is worth preserving. There is a lot of history attached to Plymouth, and some fine buildings. I would suggest that MPs and Plymouth City Council got behind the group which is trying to save Plymouth airport. I feel trains in the South West are not reliable, plus they are expensive to use. Also, not all visitors to the South West own cars. Coaches take far too long to get here, for example 14 hours from Yorkshire to Plymouth. In my opinion, there is only one MP who is trying to save Plymouth Airport and that is Labour's Alison Seabeck.

I also feel Plymouth City Council has ruined North Hill and Mutley Plain. All you can see going up North Hill to Mutley is clubs, bars and student accommodation; there are more charity shops than retail shops that sell every day items. Mutley Plain used to be a thriving shopping centre serving the people of Mannamead, Hartley etc. In my view, it is time the council tried to attract more retailers to the city, especially the lower end towards the Pannier Market. If we lose any more shops, people will start going to Exeter. Are we going to see the water features working in Armada Way this year? What about the fountains outside the Civic Centre and St Andrew's Cross. They are very relaxing and peaceful to the people who use the seats provided.

I heartily applaud the person who has set up a petition for the Coop to take back Derrys House.

MRS JOAN KITCHING

Plymouth