Today I had to go into Colchester for an appointment and was so overwhelmed by the state of the town I feel I should write to see if other residents feel the same.

The town is so drab and only seems to have fast food shops, hairdressers, empty shops and banks.

What has happened to our heritage?

We have so much history but none is visible except the castle.

We know we cannot compare our town to Chelmsford or Ipswich but surely the council should think towards another direction and the obvious one is heritage.

If we were to promote our history advertising what we have, instead of putting student accommodation in the town centre for example, we might then attract weekend visitors.

We live in such an interesting area to visit such as Dedham, Frinton, Lavenham etc.

Visitors are unaware of what we have such as the horse chariot track, the now closed cafe just outside the castle gates and many other interesting places.

If we could then attract weekend visitors the empty shops could be encouraged to be used by offering reduced rates to get them started.

By moving the so-called bus park, it has become a ghost area.

The council has allowed another cinema to be opened with no car parking. Was this necessary when another has been proposed on the edge of the town with parking?

Jumbo is an example of a council with no vision as it has turned down applications.

Surely it should be working with the owners to develop this building instead of its negative attitude.

Vision is the key word to the town's future but is sadly lacking at the moment.

June Mycroft
Ipswich Road, Colchester