As a Spaniard, paying frequent visits to the UK, I am very surprised at the shoddy design and limited imagination of resorts on the South Coast.

In Spain, seaside towns present the most beautiful architecture and delightful promenades, all designed to attract lots of tourists. In England, the reverse seems to be the case.

I went to Brighton last weekend to see the famous marina and couldn't believe my eyes.

There are gigantic palm trees all over the place - and they're plastic!

The marina itself has to be entered via a huge car park which rivals your Spaghetti Junction and there are strange built-up road levels everywhere which disfigure the view from the houses around the marina.

Come on, Brighton councillors, you can do better than this.

There are about 50 species of palm trees which can withstand England's cold weather and strong winds.

Try planting Washingtonia Robusta (hardy down to -6C) or Phoenix Canariensis (hardy down to -9C) or Trachycarpus Fortunei (hardy down to -17C).

Plastic is not fantastic.

  • Joaquin Toba, Comeragh Road, London