REGARDING the suggestion that Bishop Auckland should offer free car parking to encourage more shoppers.

I would like to suggest to some of these do-gooders that they actually visit some of the shops that are left.

Do not get me wrong, I do love a good charity shop, but the stores on offer for us to spend the little money we have are really dismal, to say the least.

The frontages of some stores are awful with peeling paint and boring window displays that don’t encourage you to go inside.

I hear people complaining all the time about the state of Bishop Auckland. The town centre really depresses me and a whole lot of other visitors.

I have watched its decline for more than 20 years but it has got worse in the last five years.

It is disgusting that the choice we are given is so limited.

If you need a bank or to visit a charity shop you are set up for the day – but that’s it. There’s nothing else.

When I visit the town I spend ten minutes because there is nothing to keep me any longer.

Audrey Hubery, Bishop Auckland.