I AM very disappointed that the Journal printed Bert Crosby's very negative letter regarding Port Street.

For one it seemed to relate to some time ago as it referred to 'the recent floods', the campaign to save The Regal Cinema (a worthy cause I'm sure but where are they now they have got the building listed and lumbered us with a white elephant?) and to several shops being boarded up (to my knowledge there are only two). I note Mr Crosby was writing from Australia, not exactly well placed to make observations on Evesham.

There was no mention of the new shops opening or their attempts to brighten the area, as one of those new shops I feel this letter undermines everything we are trying to do. We are trying to get across to people that this is an area worth visiting and it follows that if people do visit and spend their money here, the shops will flourish and more shops will open. There are moves to resolve the Kwik Save problem and the other boarded up shop is also about to undergo improvements. As to the litter, sadly, this is caused by local people but it is the same in the whole of the town, especially around takeaways. The problem gets worse as the night goes on but the streets are cleaned every day and this includes Port Street.

So I would like to say to everybody, yes Port Street is a little shabby, it has suffered a few setbacks, but it is improving and will continue to do so. We need people to visit us and spend their money with us. In return we will put our efforts into improving the area and you never know you might get a bargain.

SUSAN EARNSHAW, The Glassroom and Radio Mania, Port Street, Evesham.

l Editors note: Mr Crosby's letter was dated December 5 and written after a recent trip to Evesham.