I AM an ex-pat "Redditcher" who visits Redditch frequently. I have seen many changes in the area over recent years but the last few visits left me rather deflated.

OK, so I am keenly interested to see what the new developments will look like when completed, but my gripe is about Church Green.

As this is the only part of 'old Redditch' that is left, where is the flair?

I am dismayed to see the prime positions are taken by charity shops.

Couldn't they be given over to bars, restaurants, yes even cafs, where one could even sit outside in summer (weather permitting) and enjoy the age-old pastime of watching the world go by, as in other European towns?

Wouldn't it bring some life into the town centre in the evenings?

As money is being invested in this area, it would be great to see something like this on my next visit.

Janice Elle (nee Cody)

Fasanenweg 6

79595 Rmmingen

Germany