WHAT is the matter with MHDC and in particular, the planning office?

I am ashamed to bring our visitors into the centre of Malvern. Church Street and Belle Vue Terrace contain empty shops, boarded-up shops, estate agents, building society offices and charity shops. It is the most boring town centre I have seen for a long time. It is fortunate that we have the hills, the theatre and the priory, otherwise I doubt visitors would flock to visit the town.

It is hard enough to run a successful business with high rents, rates and out of town shopping, so that when someone tries to bring a bit of atmosphere and class to the town, it seems a pity that planning officers have to carp about a colourful parasol obscuring the lower half of a building, albeit listed. Such flair is to be encouraged. Perhaps if it is allowed we might see other such innovations in staid old Malvern.

Yes, I would like to see a cable car to the top of the hills, with a rebuilt cafe!

M G JACKSON, Alexandra Road, Malvern.