• Unfair to blame my fast food business for pub's demise

My food trailer was mentioned in the story about the Quayside pub in the Hythe as one of the causes for his closure. That is complete and utter tosh.

I run a food van called Danny’s Food Bar which used to be situated for more than a year and a half on the pavement area on the corner of King Edward Quay and Haven Road.

I recently had to move as the owners of the land behind me insisted the pavement area I was parked on belonged to them and subsequently installed one-tonne concrete blocks to restrict access.

I am fully registered with Colchester Council, have my relevant hygiene certificates and hold a five star rating from Colchester’s food standards agency.

I moved around the corner onto Haven Road about two months ago at the suggestion of some of my customers.

I try to park as close to the corner where I was situated as much as possible but some days other vehicles are there so I take the first available spot and try to stay as far from the Quayside pub as possible so not to effect their trade.

If landlord Mr Adams suggested I was part of the problem why did he allow me to park and operate my food trailer on his car park on several occasions for motorcycle meeting nights we had arranged, with the intention of encouraging more trade for the pub?

The place has been dying for years.

We have tried to help by arranging the bike meets in the pub car park.

There are not many pubs like the Quayside left in Colchester, people should use and support them more or we will lose them for good.

The Quayside is soon to re-open as a Gurkha pub restaurant.

We are hoping the new owners will allow us to continue using the car park for our bike meets and in return we can bring in some extra trade for them.

Danny Francis Danny’s Food Bar

  • Driving standards must be upheld

In the last few years, there has been a dramatic increase in those failing to stop at zebra and pelican crossings.

Sometime pedestrians have to for wait three or four cars even though it is daytime and good weather.

While it is still wrong, missing a light or failing to stop on a crossing in a dark, rainy or foggy condition can be mitigated somewhat, as the driver does not always have a good view and realise what they are doing.

However, there are now many drivers of often large and expensive cars who seem to feel that they have the right to ignore the legal rights afforded to pedestrian, who may well have visual or hearing difficulties.

At present, this appears to be taken less seriously by law enforcers than drivers with improper documentation.

Isn’t it time that the major issue for traffic police should be driving standards above all else.

A.R. and K.A. Wainwright Upper Fenn Road, Halstead

  • Co-op closure: Money won in end

Thank you for your article concerning the closure of your supermarket in Abbots Road.

I was shocked.

I’ve shopped there since it opened and it’s always busy so you’re taking away a shop which many people use.

There was no consultation with staff or customers, and it seems it is a deal which is done and dusted.

The staff employed there are always most kind and helpful, and I know them well, almost as friends.

I thought the Co-operative movement created many, many years ago was for the people.

But no longer, I’m sad to say money has won in the end.

Joan Watson Sawkins Close, Langenhoe

  • Sadness over decision to shut

On reading of the closure of Co-op in Abbots Road, Colchester, caused me much sadness.

It is a marvellous and residents of Old Heath will miss this terribly.

I’ve used it since it opened.

There are many folk still who like to be served by staff face to face.

I personally thank the staff for kindness shown to me and my late mother.

Wiliam Jolliffe Mersea Road, Colchester

  • Wake up to the real world, Tories

I WONDER how many disabled people realise Personal Independence Payment is replacing Disability Living Allowance.

It seems many people do not stand a chance of getting any benefits.

Wake up to the real world Tories.

Isn’t it a pity we can’t sue Prime Ministers for the benefits they have dreamt up. Do they sleep soundly in their beds?

Peta Argent Honeysuckle Way, Colchester