Sir, – Good to see that Mr Parsons is a true politician and only mentions the point that does not affect him which is the Richmond shops. I, among a lot of others, used to buy all my Christmas presents from these shops a long time ago – but no longer.

He fails to mention about the demise of the tourist information centre which was brought about by the council and is a must have in a town that depends on tourism. The more houses that are built, and there are a lot being built, the more jobs that are needed. He does not mention that the petitions were thrown out for the bowling alley that would have been a good facility for the teenagers as well as families. He is not worried about house foundations that had to be replaced due to underground water and is also not bothered that good sports amenities were demolished, that would have enhanced the proposed shopping area. He also does not mention about a ski slope with the jumps and rails that the boarders desire.

The last couple of years I have never seen the town so empty when I walk round. Other people have said the same so it is not just me. There should have been a marked difference when the schools broke up but there wasn’t. Stand at the roundabout by the Turf, particularly at the weekends, and watch all the traffic drive through. As I said – I have.

LYNNE KEMP

Richmond