Madam,

In response to Marc Perry’s views on my answer to his letter about the focus of the town of Aberystwyth, while I acknowledge that maybe I could have been a little incorrect in stating that Ambleside was near to other big towns (having never been there, I did quickly check distances on a map in order to prove my point but it’s probably a fair cop!).

However, I do feel that he is not necessarily looking at the whole picture where Aberystwyth is concerned.

I totally agree with him that the council must do all in its power to encourage and promote independent businesses, of which there is a truly excellent and diverse range here in Aberystwyth.

My point, though, is that there is nothing wrong with chain shops being in Great Darkgate Street and I feel we could do with a few more in order to make the town truly appealing. At the same time, I do not think we should be thinking of the town as having ‘side streets’ and of the small shops as being banished to these.

This is a teeny town and every street has importance, character and beauty. What is needed is for every building in the town to be well maintained (restored first, if necessary) and every street to draw people in with its interesting array of shops and cafés.

I love the new Tesco and I cannot wait for M & S to arrive but, if I were a visitor, I would not simply visit those shops. I am sure that making every small street attractive, and with some lovely shops, and also by providing more good-quality hotel accommodation to suit all pockets, Aberystwyth could really make the most of itself as a tourist destination as well as being a great place for locals to shop and enjoy their leisure time.

I also very much disagree with those who say pedestrian-only streets would kill trade. I am certain that absolutely the opposite would be true. This would also provide a lot more space for people to walk without bumping into signs.

Yours etc,

A Little, Aberystwyth.

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