DO SOMETHING: In regard to the story Welcome To Ghost Town (News Shopper, October 28), I have been a resident of Welling for more than 30 years. The town centre has had its ups and downs over that time but it is shocking to see the decline over the past few weeks. I know from personal experience the hard work involved in keeping a small retail business running and can imagine the stress Welling traders are under. I share Mrs Cooper’s concern about the effect on elderly residents and like Mr Parsons I see no evidence of either proper planning on the part of a council which seems to have no vision at all. The fact Councillor John Waters is “keeping an eye on the situation” is hardly encouraging, particularly as he apparently has cabinet responsibility for regeneration. I think voters understand councillors can’t win all our battles but we do expect them to make a scrap of it on our behalf. I think a bit more forward planning would have been in order and, in the absence of that, a bit more urgency now.

Pat Ball, Welling

GET FESTIVE: I listen each day to the doom and gloom which surrounds our society. Hospital closures, crime on our streets, the state of the economy, child abuse, world famine, the list is endless. At the moment I am reading and hearing people complaining Christmas has come too early into our shops. Please allow us the joy and pleasure the very word Christmas brings to many of us. In an ever-changing world, let us look forward for a few months to pretty lights, Father Christmas, bright-eyed and excited children and let us try and leave the negative side of life until the new year when, believe me, we will have time to be miserable again.

Lyn Gentry, Bexleyheath

GHOST TOWN: I am writing in regard to the front page story about Welling becoming a ghost town following the closure of Tesco and the Co-Op (Welcome To Ghost Town, News Shopper, October 22). We currently only really have Lidl and Iceland. What are the elderly meant to do for shopping? The councillors for the area should have taken notice of the concerns of residents and traders instead of pushing through the redevelopment of Embassy Court.

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PARK LEGALLY: In regard to the story Hearse Clamped Before Funeral (News Shopper, October 8), I too was disgusted when I read it. However, the reality is clamping organisations would be put out of business if drivers showed more thought and consideration to others on the road by not blocking or parking on private property.

Marie Revell, Sidcup