DEAR EDITOR - It is with much regret that the proposed change of use of the Marlbrook Post Office to a Chinese takeaway has been given planning permission to go ahead.

Bromsgrove District Council received 117 letters against and only one for the application.

What a fine example of democracy working!

I feel we are depriving the people of Marlbrook a facility they have come to rely on for many years.

It is fine that there is another post office just one mile away, but a mile can be a very long way for someone with walking difficulties, having to negotiate the uneven and broken pavement slabs, the grass cuttings left in the road and the dog deposits that lead into Catshill.

With the decision to let this go ahead, then we have to be realistic about the situation and so I would urge for the most stringent measures to be introduced relating to the extraction equipment that should be installed in stopping any smells being generated to neighbouring properties.

These should be of the highest specification available, and better than the one's currently in use at establishments within the area. There should also be tight control over the opening and closing times and the car park being completely vacated by 11pm.

It is a sad day when we see a community service being replaced by a Chinese takeaway.

Bill Newnes,

Councillor - Catshill and Marlbrook.