AS a regular visitor to Malvern over the years I write to express my disappointment at the declining standard within the town with regard to local amenities.

With the exception of two or three, the shop fronts in Great Malvern are shabby and neglected and the choice of restaurants is virtually non-existent. Having decided on a pub lunch after an invigorating walk on the hills, we were obliged to think again.

Malvern has always had a complacent attitude to anyone living in the town or visiting the area.

Of course, it is well known as a place of outstanding natural beauty, home to the new theatre, interesting architecture, artists, poets, musicians etc are drawn to the area therefore giving it a unique quality, but that is no excuse for resting on its laurels.

Having been brought up in Malvern I have always been aware of the aura of faded gentility about the town, but it has to be said that standards have declined recently and the poor old girl has definitely seen better days.

Having travelled abroad and inevitably drawn comparisons, I can only assume the town of Malvern is happy to continue down the path of apathy.

MRS NANETTE FREEMAN, Apley Castle Park, near Wellington, Telford, Shropshire.