IWAS amused, or maybe dismayed, at the latest idea in the Advertiser – “Buy shares in site”, suggested by Tenbury Futures. Talk about clutching at straws. The latest population for Tenbury was recorded as being 2,300. The survey conducted by Tenbury Futures stated 300 people participated in their survey, so what about the voices of the other 2,000?

If my memory serves me correctly, ever since the dreaded Tesco has been mentioned, a proportion of Tenbury’s shop owners have been up in arms saying they will be put out of business if Tescos comes to Tenbury, but yet, Tenbury Futures, sees no harm in suggesting shops and restaurants on the same suggested site. So what about the livelihood and trade of the current restaurateurs and small shops, or does the risk of their livelihood only apply if Tescos came to Tenbury? Why would the creation of more shops be an answer to the use of the site when there are already empty premises littered throughout the main town. And how would we benefit from more restaurants – the minimal amount already in Tenbury seem to just get by as it is, so why would you think another restaurant would be well supported?

The majority of shoppers to Tenbury would be on a Saturday when a majority of shops are shut by 3.00pm. Shops shut to the extent that Tenbury becomes a ghost town by late afternoon and there must be a valid reason for this. Perhaps its because there are not enough customers to warrant shop owners paying staff to stay open. Perhaps its because people have gone elsewhere to do their shopping. Perhaps its because there is not enough choice for people to do their weekly shop. Perhaps people now have to budget and shop more cheaply and go where there's more competitive prices and value for money.

Tenbury folk are getting in their cars, spending money on expensive fuel and taking an afternoon out of their lives to drive out of Tenbury to do a weekly shop and put money into a national supermarket's pocket, getting better value for money for their family's food at a large supermarket.

What Tenbury Futures needs to consider is how to keep Tenbury people in Tenbury.

Small shops and restaurants, a museum and tourist information centre will only attract a small amount of tourists – not inhabitants of Tenbury.

I am sorry to say that it is a nice daydream, but in reality it would prove to be a total waste of time and resources.

M LLOYD,

Rochford Tenbury Wells