SIR, — What has St Albans done to deserve such contempt from its planners? Once upon a time it was a bustling, lively market town full of character and characters. — remember Ginger Mills? Yes, the streets were crowded and the huge market slightly cramped

SIR, - What has St Albans done to deserve such contempt from its planners? Once upon a time it was a bustling, lively market town full of character and characters. - remember Ginger Mills? Yes, the streets were crowded and the huge market slightly cramped but who genuinely did not actually enjoy the place?

Now we face the prospect of what's left of it being pedestrianised and Cllr Mike Ellis has the impression we want it that way (Herts Advertiser, March 19).

More tourists, he says, coming to see Butterfly World and staying in budget hotels. And then what? Take a 20-minute look around and scram off home, I imagine. Perhaps he thinks they'll take a walk along the stained Chinese pavement to see the huge, Soviet-looking Vee in the park. Or grab a burger for lunch? Ah no, McD is closed. Toys for the grandkids? No, Riders is gone. A book? Sorry, Paton's too. That budget hotel? Well, it's not in existence yet - and mercifully won't be for quite some time. Pity then the brave retailers left behind, paying crippling rates for deserted shops. It all adds up to the next stagecoach out of here, doesn't it?

L. HORTON,

Creighton Avenue, St Albans.