THE West End masterplan is a realistic intervention that, without a doubt, will go a long way towards improving the run-down areas of Morecambe designated for regeneration.

This scheme is our only opportunity to eradicate the issues relating to housing stress and anti-social behaviour within the West End. The result will be a sustainable community where people will want to live and work.

We should also celebrate the fact that work is to be carried out on the Midland Hotel and surrounding area by urban Splash for once the masterplan takes shape and the Midland begins to physically improve we should see a domino effect that will lead to a brighter future for Morecambe.

It disappoints me that there is mischief making within the West End community by certain individuals. These people have a hidden agenda which does not have the community at heart and it is high time they moved on.

People who have genuine concerns about their properties and future in the West End will be dealt with in a sensitive manner and we will ensure they get the best deal in accordance with their needs.

Work on the masterplan needs to begin because the area has waited for too long already. To retain the status quo will only leave the area as a dumping ground for the probation service and too easy for money-grabbing landlords who make a living out of housing people on release from prison and others with a variety of problems.

This willingness to house vulnerable people is fine on the surface but the failure of various services to provide adequate support and monitoring of them has become evident over the years. It is not something an individual landlord is qualified or able to do.

The oversupply of such properties in the West End is one fundamental reason why the masterplan needs to progress.

Cllr David Whitaker, Morecambe.