DURING the six years I have lived in Ledbury the services provided and goods received from the tradesmen and shopkeepers have been of very pleasing quality.

Consequently, I feel deeply sorry for those whose livelihood will be severely, if not wholly, threatened by the proposal for a DIY store and garden centre. The offer of £30,000 towards the cost of a coach park, in my view a minor fraction of the total cost, appears to have immediately prejudiced the future decision facing members of the council.

R E HAWORTH, Bramley Close, Ledbury.