Upon my recent return to Malvern for a holiday I was saddened to hear about and to see the closure of some long established shops in Church Street.

I was then astounded to hear that the council was contemplating allowing Costa to open another coffee shop in Great Malvern.

Church Street needs another coffee shop like a hole in the head.

Competition is not the answer to bring more people into town – it may provide a few jobs but what about the people who will lose their jobs in subsequent closures – which will definitely happen.

Council members should be strongly supporting the current coffee outlets by encouraging different businesses into town,. maybe at reduced rates. Ask the people of Malvern what they want!

Barnards Green would be a good place for Costa to open – but there again where would people park.

I would like to congratulate the lovely little Lyttelton Tea Rooms in Church Street – lovely meals and all served with great smiles by the hardworking volunteers. We don’t want places like this to have to shut down.

Irene Carpenter

Perth, Western Australia