I wholly endorse your Opinion (May 18) regarding the canopy at Pepper and Oz. This is exactly the type of business we need to encourage in Malvern if the centre is to have any hope of maintaining an economic future.

We have seen negative input in the town centre for the past eight years from both district and county councils while we have watched the Townsend Way development change beyond all recognition.

When Townsend Way was first built we were assured there were planning restrictions to ensure it would be a maximum of four large outlets such as DIY, white goods and foods. What we now have is a town centre replacement with an array of smaller units directly impacting on the town centre. We were clearly misinformed.

During this period huge increases in parking costs and the implementation of evening and night parking charges have been imposed in all the old trading centres of town.

We have endured a complete lack of a political strategy to deal with illegal parking; traffic congestion; additional visitor parking; provision of adequate toilet facilities and implementation of a redevelopment plan for the Edith Walk area, to name but a few.

As a business we have to accept change and adapt but in the past couple of months we have seen ludicrous restrictions initially imposed on a new potential restaurant having to close early on a Sunday and now this hullabaloo over a canopy.

It is my understanding that the need for planning approval became necessary on a technicality. The canopy has been secured, for sensible safety and aesthetic reasons, to the ground. Had it been fixed to a large metal movable plate it would not have needed planning.

The advantage we have with a retrospective application is that we can all see that it does not have a negative impact on the immediate surrounding.

This restaurant has changed hands a number of times and there is no doubt that the need to use the outside forecourt when weather permits will be a major factor in its economic viability.

New district councillors have swept into power pledging to change the past negative strategy. Let us all hope that in this week's paper you can report that they have started that process.

Adrian Ward, Robson Ward Design Ltd, Belle Vue Terrace, Malvern.