DURING a discussion concerning city status for Colchester few days ago, I heard it said that there is more culture in a yoghurt than there is in Colchester.

Initially I thought that was a bit strong, but then thinking about it, I had to agree, because over the past 86 years that I have lived here in Colchester, I have witnessed the ideas and social behaviour of councils and councillors through those years, as they have torn the heart of the town and reduced the road system to a complete mess, and now, to gain city status they have the cheek to use the culture of both its near and ancient past to achieve their aim.

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Look at what the Romans have left us, it has been said, but sadly it is what councils have left us with that matters most of all.

What better example of that is there than the present so-called bus park?

What sort of arrangement is that for visitors to the town to pass through?

Is that the sort of place one would expect of a city?

Even worse, the town has lost its charm.

Yes, it attracts visitors as it always has but more seriously, it has lost the fascination and attraction of the people who finance the town who now choose to stay away.

They now take their foot fall to the small towns and villages around us that attract them and are fascinating places to shop and walk around in.

Tony Ashby

Colchester