IN response to John R Armstrong’s letter headed “Empty property” (HAS, Oct 8).

I too have lived in Bishop Auckland all of my life, and am also baffled by all of the empty properties. But most of all can I say that the thing that baffles and upsets me most is the closing down over the last seven years of The Queens Head hotel, The Postchaise, Monaco’s, Champagne Bar, Bar Mondo, The Castle Hotel, The Derby and the Aclet.

And then, at the end of August 2019, a brand new pub The Tap and Tun opens in Newgate Street.

What is the logic of closing down eight pubs and opening one?

I think Bishop Auckland Town Council and Durham County Council’s planning department have to take a big look at their decisions about what is going on in Bishop Auckland now and in the near future.

Stephen Hadden, Bishop Auckland