Put the ‘bright’ back into Brightlingsea
n I enjoyed reading ‘An estuary odyssey’ (PBO June and July) by Richard Hare, especially as these are my local cruising grounds. It was, however, initially disappointing to read the rather disparaging remarks about my local port of Brightlingsea. On reflection, though, they were valid. The port has lost its way in recent years. The architecture at the front, as Richard stated, is not in keeping with the town. Now the old boatsheds have gone, a cold, clinical ‘prison block’ of flats with a steel and concrete canyon of a half-tide marina has been built in their place.
As for the £15 per night for a mid-stream pontoon with no services, this year it is £20 for a 31ft boat, and the water taxi is now £1.50 per person each way. Compare this to Bradwell (£19.43) and Heybridge (£22), both with full services, and I know where I will be heading.
Come on, Brightlingsea: you were once a lovely place to visit, but sadly the charm and welcoming atmosphere have very quickly diminished. Please take a good look at yourself and recapture that original, friendly, maritime atmosphere.