Letter to the editor: I refer to Former Electrician Now Current Mayor (News Shopper, May 22), regarding the incoming mayor Councillor Derek Sales.

While wishing him a successful term of office I must disagree with his comment where he describes Gravesham as vibrant and diverse.

Having lived in Gravesend from 1927 to 1987 I can recall when Gravesend had much to offer.

I have a cutting from the Daily Sketch dated October 1, 1931, showing the opening of the Majestic cinema by the mayoress Mrs JH Austin (my grandfather was a director).

It had a capacity of up to 1,750 —1,000 in the auditorium and 750 in the balcony — plus the regal plaza and super two theatres, The Grand and The Playhouse.

There was also an 18-hole putting green in Fort’s Garden and bands played there also.

In addition, many visited the Royal Terrace Pier where they paid sixpence to the piermaster Ted Connoly simply to sit on the pontoon and watch many vessels arriving and departing.

There were many first class shops ranging from gents tailors — Nottons Sums Reid, Tulks and Foster’s — as well as furniture stores, ladies outfitters, seed merchants plus many other stores.

Many a foreign seaman used to come ashore from vessels moored at the buoys while waiting for a berth at Tilbury and/or London docks and visit those stores.

The only vibration I know of in Gravesend is when they are digging up the roads and paths or when music is blaring out from clubs and pubs.

I can fully understand why so many people are opposed to the development of the heritage quarter.

Who will stay at the proposed 50-room hotel?

We already have restaurants and cafes in abundance and with the expansion of Bluewater offering 2,300 new jobs I can only see more shops closing.

I cannot see any major names investing in the town, only more closures.

I count myself fortunate in remembering a once great and vibrant town which the people were justly proud of, sadly not so now.

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