I AGREE with Jane Makepeace, from Ferryhill about the run down condition of the Festival Walk shopping mall in Spennymoor. It was in far better condition when it was re-named and re-developed 20 years ago.

As Hear All Sides readers will know, I have campaigned for its demolition over the past decade, at the latter end of my days as a Sedgefield Borough and then Durham County Councillor. Now it is past its sell by date and beyond repair.

Last week I reminded the head of re-generation at Durham County Council, about the wholesale re-generation work, and the authority’s agents are still seeking potential developers.

I hope in five years time, that Jayne would see the end product of future re-generation work, which, in my opinion, should include wholesale demolition and a re-connection of the High Street, with traditional shops, giving shoppers a wider choice of merchandise.

Ben Ord, Spennymoor.