IT is clear there are strong local views on the decision taken by Malvern Hills District Council not to grant permission for the newly erected parasol, outside Pepper & Oz, to remain in place, even though it has created a pleasant seating area surrounded by plants.

It would also appear that the committee members were unable to correctly count a handful of votes regarding the issue. Then, in there infinite wisdom, they passed the hideous Victorian looking bronze statue of the Morgan car, which will eventually stand in very close proximity to Pepper & Oz. I'm sure the blend of old with the new would have been very acceptable.

I feel for Lynne and Peter Browne, the proprietors of Pepper & Oz, who have obviously gone to considerable private expense, to facelift what was in all honesty a dilapidated looking shop frontage into a clean relaxing environment for people to enjoy, only to have it suddenly dashed. They must feel very disheartened.

Malvern is a great tourist area with the Priory, Victorian architecture, heritage, theatre and, of course, the hills. But it requires new ventures and small businesses to thrive to meet the potential demand. The town which has become stagnated by bureaucracy and overrun with estate agents, charity shops and boarded up premises does not paint a good picture of what should be a thriving community.

Look at the events Upton puts on year after year, it is quite remarkable.

Come on, let's stop living in the past and relying on the greatness left us by our forefathers. Those days were built on chance and adventure with a vision and enterprise, which is sadly lacking at the moment.

DEREK JEPSON, Newtown Road, Malvern.