IN response to Mr Powell’s letter, munch on lemons if you must, Julian, but please don’t put your feet in buckets of needles. (We don’t want you limping when you walk the plank!).
I agree that we must invest in Newport’s future and the display of the ship is part of that.
The now partly disclosed Colliers Report predicts it will generate 150,000 visitors to the city.
Colliers should know as their chief occupation is providing market research to the retail sector.
The High Street advisor, Mary Portas predicts new uses will have to be found for former retail floor space and suggests art and culture should be encouraged to attract visitors.
In your last letter, Julian, you said art and culture are one thing and that history is something separate.
In this instance I don’t agree, they all serve the same purpose as a visitor attraction and it is gratifying to see politicians and business men beginning to recognise the ship could be the key to the city’s regeneration.
I’ve spent today setting up my tent to strike the coin found on the Newport Ship at this weekend’s tall ships event in Gloucester Docks.
It’s amazing how this formerly derelict area has been transformed; all it took was a little bit of vision. This weekend they expect to host 100,000 visitors.
Charles Ferris
Field Park Avenue Newport