HOWARD Jones has a valid point of view on the civic centre (Shuttle/Times and News, December 8) though not one I share. More useful would be the sale (with planning permission for five to six flats) of 7-8 New Street.

This could then be coupled with a development of sheltered housing on the adjacent gardens (a sort of William Bullock Close Mk 2) facing the Social Day Centre and only a short walk into the town centre.

Unless there is a valid reason why this was not done years ago, one can only assume a lack of imagination. The planning staff should have been relocated within the under-used Civic Centre years ago. Keep the civic. We will need it when we divorce from Kidderminster.

DAVID TAYLOR

Redstone Lane

Stourport

FURTHER to Howard Jones's letter in the December 8 issue of Shuttle/Times and News, concerning Stourport Civic Centre, I would point out that only the licensed bar is contracted, for obvious legal reasons.

Catering can be undertaken by any competent person and, therefore, this should not discourage bookings.

PC MATTHEWS

Managing director

Plyvine Catering Limited

Pedmore Industrial Estate

Brierley Hill