Sir, – I do not understand the inconsistency of Richmondshire and North Yorkshire County councillor Stuart Parsons.

Two years ago, during the height of the biggest recession to hit our country his comments in the D&S Times were: “There is no problem here in Richmond as we are bucking the trend of other towns.” Just over a year ago when the new Catterick Garrison town centre project was discussed, his comments were “because of the diversity of the independent retailers I don’t think the development will have any effect on Richmond.”

Yet now in the D&S Times(Aug 1) he is now concerned for market towns in Richmondshire due to further planning applications from retailers wanting to set up in the new garrison development.

I have been concerned about Richmondshire’s market towns for the last six or seven years and been shot down by Richmondshire councillors.

But Richmond and Leyburn have had little or no development for years and have been failed by all councils and the local enterprise partnership.

They continue to be run on an ad hoc basis with no market town strategy, no tourism strategy and no long-term town/community plans.

I could ask Cllr Parsons why the sudden change of tune?

ANDY BROOK Middleham.