As a local resident, I would like to air my views on the lack of shops in Colchester.

I grew up in Brentwood, which is a much smaller town than Colchester, and I always remember thinking Colchester was an interesting town to visit.

How times have changed.

If it wasn’t for the fact I currently live here, I would not choose to go shopping in Colchester.

We have hardly any individual boutique clothes shops, and the High Street isn’t even pleasing to the eye (apart from Williams & Griffin).

I suggest stores, for example, the Disney Shop, Mothercare, Primark and Zara – not forgetting a larger Argos store and a Toys R Us.

These large stores would be great on an out-of-town site, perhaps on the old Sainsbury’s site at Tollgate.

How can Chelmsford have two Mothercares and two Argos stores, yet we only have that one small Argos store in town. We need to make the town attractive to those who live outside Colchester and listen to the views of those who live here.

Would it not be a good idea to offer the retail units that are currently empty at a reduced-rate rent for a period of time, so they can attract potential new business?

Once they are up and running, the rent can be increased to the normal rate.

After all, an empty shop is certainly not appealing to the customer!

Hayley Trustrum
Colchester