AM astounded at the council's decision regarding the fabulous parasol erected outside Pepper & Oz.

As an interior designer, I set up my business here believing Malvern and the surrounding area to have great potential for my services. We were right in our decision, it appears there are more and more new families moving to the area wanting to transform and update some of the wonderful older style properties in Malvern. The majority of the designs we undertake are of a more contemporary nature as this is what is wanted.

Perhaps the council should consider what these new people to the town will expect. Or does it not matter what the people who live and run businesses here want to see? What is the council trying to do, keep the town centre behind when everything else is moving forward?

However, I believe the enthusiasm, flair and determination of the proprietors of Pepper & Oz will not see their venture fail, with or without the parasol, and I personally will still continue with design ideas that will bring Malvern into the 21st Century, even if the council would prefer it to remain in the 19th.

Sarah-Jane Cole, Sarah-Jane's Interiors, Belle Vue Terrace, Malvern