THE recent debate that has raged over Tollgate expansion versus the town centre seems to me to have missed out one crucial point by those responsible for the survival of our town centre.

Colchester must be the only sizeable town in the country without a decent all weather covered shopping area.

This could be the town’s unique selling point when competing with surrounding out of town shopping areas.

If people wish to visit even larger outmoded soulless, windswept glorified car parks to spend their cash then they’re welcome, but an alternative option in the middle of town could be a crowd puller.

I am aware that large covered precincts have their drawbacks, e.g they become no-go areas after shop closing time, but isn’t it time this is given consideration again, rather than leaving the town centre to continue in its downward spiral as a shopping destination, unable to compete with neighbouring towns, let alone developments such as Tollgate?

Colin Biggins Coopers Lane, Dedham

  • Colchester doesn’t get any of my cash

I AM writing in relation to the ongoing Tollgate/town centre debate.

I am born and bred in Colchester even now I only live a few miles outside the town, near Great Bentley.

I can’t believe the whole debate is still ongoing. If Colchester wants to survive it needs to move with the times and what the local people want.

From someone who 20 years ago used to go to town every Saturday, I am now lucky if I go once or twice a year.

If I’m not buying online I purchase from the supermarkets and the likes of B&M and Home Bargains, all out of the town centre and cost nothing to park.

If I want to go out to eat I’d rather go to Clacton, park on the front and use the restaurants there such as Prezzo.

I don’t have to pay to park and I don’t have to walk through the town centre at night as I would have to in Colchester to go to the same chain to eat.

I go to Cineworld in Ipswich to see films because, yes I have to pay to park, but it is right outside and £1 at night.

Colchester gets none of my money. However if I could do these things at Tollgate then I would be spending my money in Colchester, all be it out of town, not on the high street.

Stopping the like of Tollgate is not going to make me use the town centre instead, it’s going to make me keep spending elsewhere and then Colchester never sees my money.

Owen Giles Weeley Road, Aingers Green

  • We’re committed to A120 sustainability

Lord Kerslake’s Review correctly identifies the need to deliver infrastructure and housing alongside each other, and the West Tey development team is committed to creating a sustainable and integrated community.

We will deliver all the infrastructure a new garden community will need, and fully support the dualling of the A120, both to improve road safety and to support economic growth in north Essex.

Our project has been led by the need to provide appropriate infrastructure for a new community, with a focus on helping provide a solution to the A120.

The need for the road is unquestionable and the opportunity to accommodate the housing growth needs of the two districts alongside it provides the best solution on all fronts.

We are committed to working with local government and the local community to deliver a high quality and desirable place to live at West Tey.

Robert Crayston Gateway 120 Ltd

  • Want to get fit? Why not try croquet

Commenting on the letter from Dr Paul Bryne emphasising the need for the general public to undertake some form of exercise to help their health, although I can suggest a venue to provide some welcome gentle exercise for the body and mind.

Exercise in superb restful surroundings along with like-minded people offering cheerful banter with a dash of humour.

No more expensive visits to the gym, no more jogging the busy streets holding a bottle of water, no more sweaty T-shirts or long periods of regaining your breath and composure.

The almost miracle cure on offer is to come along and play croquet at Colchester Croquet Club in Lexden.

The club supplies good clubhouse facilities and some of the best playing surfaces in the Eastern region.

All you require are flat soled shoes or trainers, the equipment is provided by the club.

If you wish to find out more details about a taster session then email jane.collier1@btinternet.com.

As the daylight hours become longer and the days become warmer, you will enjoy the open air experience especially on a beautiful summer’s day, although we also play the sport throughout the year and have been playing every week since before last Christmas despite the lower temperatures.

You just cannot keep us away from enjoying this lesser known but civilised sport that is becoming more and more popular.

Stephen Scrase Publicity officer Colchester Croquet Club