IN response to "Wrong policy on shopping" (Letters, April 4), I am pleased to respond with a very positive view on the future of shopping in Redditch.

It is true that Debenhams is a popular department store. That is exactly why Thornfield - owners of the Kingfisher Centre - have encouraged them to open in Redditch.

The anchor stores Allders, BHS and Marks & Spencer, are all complementary to Debenhams and together they will offer the Redditch customer a wider range of choice and value.

Debenhams is a catalyst for the redevelopment - not merely a stand-alone offer.

Your readers will be very pleasantly surprised at the variety and quality of stores which will open in the Kingfisher Centre as a result of the redevelopment work.

National names are set to return and new retailers such as TK Maxx, TJ Hughes and Wilkinsons are already committed.

JJB Sports and Farmfoods are taking the opportunity for new, expanded stores.

Retail is a business that responds to consumer demand, therefore those businesses you now see opening in the centre do so in the knowledge that they are going to enjoy brisk business.

The redevelopment has also facilitated the new transport interchange - a long awaited improvement for the whole town centre.

Thornfield is investing £60 million in the Kingfisher Centre and surely this is a cause for optimism and enthusiasm for the future.

None of the decisions taken about the centre are done without careful financial and civic consideration.

Redditch customers deserve a shopping centre to be proud of - in return the Kingfisher Centre should enjoy positive, not negative, reaction.

Negativity breeds an air of gloom which spreads. Don't let's talk ourselves out of the best opportunity for 20 years to revitalise the town centre.

I would welcome any constructive suggestions now or in the future - this is YOUR shopping centre.

Brian Walker

Centre Director

Kingfisher Centre