SINCE the £228,000 pay-off to our former town clerk and the dreadful condition of the bus shelter at the bottom of Church Street seem to have caused no public reaction at all, why have "fears been raised" (Malvern Gazette, July 5) that the off-licence in Church Street might "play host to another charity shop" - who by?

Perhaps if all the charity shops (and discount shops) in Malvern closed down for a week we might realise the trading centre we really have! These shops pay full rent (that independent traders can't afford) but they are well patronised, otherwise they would not be there.

With all the disputes and controversy about their opening, both Waitrose and Safeway seem always to be very busy.

There are excellent, small specialist traders in Malvern but they need local support.

Local people, surely, should speak out and show they care about the town, not just grumble.

JAN SYKES, Court Road, Malvern.