Sir, – It is true that the rentals for the main High Street properties in Northallerton are high for the size of the town (D&S Times, Jan 16), which explains why, with the exception of the established shops in private ownership, the High Street has few independent businesses.

Many have either sold up to developers or let out their premises, the return being greater and far less stressful than having to operate a business.

The town has changed with fewer actual shops on the High Street, with landlords able to command higher rents from charity shops, coffee shops and takeaways.

For many years smaller shops used to start up in the arcades and North End of the town, several of these are now To Let, and have been for some time, several have been let only to become empty within a year. In addition the rents in these areas are in decline, some are let at very low rents just to remove the rates burden off the landlord.

Smaller shops in the High Street are proving difficult to let in the main High Street, the old Co Op travel agents, CC outdoor clothing have both been empty for a year, so while there is demand for larger units from mainly the national based firms, the variety and number of start up units have declined in the last five years.

We note from the owner of the Origins shop which is closing, that his rent is due to increase to £36,000 p.a, I would estimate that with rates, staff and utilities the revenue generated by the shop would have to be over £60,000 p.a before any profit is made, and that is before any purchase of stock, advertising etc is taken into account. That is why many small businesses start from home using the internet.

The reason that parking charges was so hard fought against is that many traders regard it as another nail in the coffin. In addition the idea of bringing another supermarket onto the prison site can do nothing but further destroy the smaller more diverse local shops, as well as further affecting what appears to be a decreasing number of stalls on a market day.

Not all is doom and gloom, some local landlords do seek lower rents, which give small business a chance, and have not increased rents in order to retain their existing tenants, rather than have empty units.

I think most retailers would be happy to discuss the situation with councillors, to balance the view of the councils expert's and advisers who are generally based in Leeds or Newcastle, and I would guess have never actually shopped here.

MIKE DARWIN MRICS.

M W Darwin & Sons

Northallerton.