Finish the job?

Saturday, April 7, 2012
7:00 AM

Regarding the recent correspondence in the Exmouth Journal, I was considering what should fill the void left with the demise of the plans to have a building at the head of The Strand.

My first (and serious) choice would be a large statue of Garth Gibson, our much-loved previous town crier, whose cheerful face would, I am sure, remind people what a friendly and joyous place Exmouth can be.

This, sadly, is probably too expensive, so maybe just a plinth would suffice?

On formal occasions, it could be used by our current town crier, and at other times rented out to whingers and ranters, who could hold forth to their hearts’ content to their mates.

As we seem to have so many of them in Exmouth, this may result in a substantial source of revenue for Strand maintenance.

Of course, it would need a hand-rail and steps as many of the W & R brigade are also belligerent old men like me! It could also be used by ladies of a certain age as well, although what they had to say might just be too sensible to cause that much of a stir.

Would this be detrimental to the local cafés or increase their custom, I wonder?

Alternatively, perhaps we could just stop this nonsense and get on and finish the job with an appropriate building so that The Strand can fulfil its potential for the town?

Mike Hinds

Cranford Avenue, Exmouth.