I REFER to the letter by Andy Hamilton in the Gazette (December 10). I think it is time to move on and look to the future with regards to the Vaf.

The Vaf is now built, with millions of pounds already invested. The majority of the problems with the Vaf have been evidently down to the contractor, and Colchester Council not taking a tougher line with that contractor at an earlier stage.

If Colchester Council has been proper in its legal obligations, I am sure the current legal activity over the Vaf will result in no financial loss to the council taxpayers.

I remind Mr Hamilton about our beloved landmark Jumbo, which when it was built caused a larger financial crisis than the Vaf, and resulted in the political administration being elected out of office in the local elections.

Over 100 years later, after the turmoil of Jumbo is forgotten, Jumbo is now a significant part of Colchester’s history and landscape, and I predict the same for the Vaf.

I look forward to the Vaf opening, for I think this will become a significant venue in Colchester, and will pay for itself over the years. My one regret (apart from the contractor) is that the Vaf is hidden away.

Alex Jones
Maldon Road
Colchester