Sir, – Mrs Kemp raises so many issues and questions in her letter (D&S Times Aug 29) that it will take more than 300 words to answer them all. I will attempt in future letters to answer them.

I did as Mrs Kemp suggested and took “out the cafes and charity shops” to see what “holes” she was suggesting I would find.

Richmond offers a strong retail mix and can find in the market place alone art galleries, craft shops, book shops, pet shop, antique shops, butchers, bakers, restaurants, public houses, hotels, clothing shops, shoe shops, outdoor pursuit shops, sports shops, banks, estate agents, letting agents, specialist grocery shops, a greengrocer, sweet shops, a furniture shop, gift shops, chemists, newsagents, hair salons, beauty salons, florists, chocolatiers, opticians, a card shop, a fancy dress shop, a computer shop, general hardware store, supermarkets, a delicatessen and jewellers to name but a few.

For a small market town in deeply rural North Yorkshire the possibilities in Richmond are quite simply amazing. Add to the above the fact that we have three nationally important museums (The Green Howards, The Georgian Theatre Royal and the Richmondshire Museum), a fantastic castle and the internationally renowned Georgian Theatre Royal. The Station – just outside the town’s boundaries – is also a stupendous addition to the attractions of our beautiful and vibrant town.

Holes there are none. We have an incredible array of shops, businesses and attractions to offer both residents and visitors alike.

Let’s celebrate our wonderful town.

Cllr STUART PARSONS

Parkinson's Yard, Richmond.