Sad Malvern

However beautiful the surroundings may be the topography counts for little when it comes to the judgement of the town itself; here, like any other city or town it is the centre that really counts. And in this respect it must be "sad Malvern".

I am a retired retailer myself having lived in Malvern for the past 16 years and have certainly seen things go from bad to worse.

The fashion for out-of-town shopping has led to the overpowering spread of estate agents and charity shops, so much so that this saturation has almost stifled the very existence of any normal retail shop balance. The charity shop situation is the "killer" and for any re-invigoration this must be addressed.

The council must by statutory or other persuasive means not only prevent any further spread, but make every endeavour to curtail the existing numbers and moreover, any relief or advantage given to these outlets should cease.

New pavements and statues will not alone solve the problem. The landlords must wake up to a realisation that the continued letting to these organisations will not be to their advantage; such leases, long or short, should be avoided and every effort given to encourage good retail tenants.

For my part I never shop in any of these charity outlets but I do support in a moral fashion several charities on a regular on going basis; better by far I say.

It saddens me greatly to watch this impasse and meantime all citizens should at least give their support to the existing retail shops and hopefully the Gazette will lead a suitable and stronger foray forward to a better future. Then surely more visitors and tourists may stay longer in the town centre and spend some money there too.

DENNIS M FREELAND, Hornyold Avenue, Malvern.