SKIPP is to be commended for its vision of a Saxon village near to the site of the King’s burial ground, especially with the John Bulley impression to make it more real.

This was always a great idea and more practical in location and cost, providing an interactive attraction that is more likely to pull in visitors than a glassed-in construct.

Now that the cost of the carbuncle has soared, isn’t it time to consider other options and should the Bulley illustrations not feature on the Echo front page to show that an alternative exists?

The only saving grace is that if, as planned, car parking charges will provide the wherewithal for the seafront flood-risk building instead, it will not surface for decades yet.

ALAN HART

Randolph Close, Leigh

JUST read the letters page in Friday’s Echo and am so impressed with SKIPP’s idea of a Saxon Village in Priory Park with a Great Hall to house the Saxon King’s treasures and even a reconstruction of the original burial chamber.

John Bulley’s artist’s impression is excellent and I can just imagine locals, visitors and of course all the school children who would enjoy learning about history in such a fascinating way, visiting an attraction like this.

I really do think the council should take this alternative plan very seriously - it could be a Kentwell Hall in Southend!

WENDY HIGLETT

St Andrews Road, Shoebury