I READ recently that Spennymoor Town Council is trying to attract traders for the Festival Walk shopping centre which has been in administration for five years.

I remember trying to do this with the agents some 20 years ago and a firm from Liverpool considered that this area was unattractive for new retailers.

In my opinion, Festival Walk is overdue for demolition and the entrance is a disgrace with broken flower pot holders and signs of years of neglect.

I did submit a proposal to the Durham County Plan about this area and I am pleased that it has been given priority.

Can I ask why it has been allowed to stay in administration for so long and why can’t Durham County Council press ahead with a comprehensive regeneration? This area of Spennymoor is not receiving the priority that it deserves.

Can I remind readers that Lidl refused to locate into Festival Walk and, with my support, is now located near Cambridge street thus replacing an empty garage showroom with a modern shopping facility.

Ben Ord, Spennymoor