MRS GILLIAN BRADBURY, of Victoria Road, Dart­mouth, writes:

Costa coffee coming to Dartmouth – great news, bring it on, asap.

Does the anti-Costa protest group really prefer to have a large empty shop front covered with scruffy posters, litter-filled doorway, month after month, in preference to a vibrant Costa cafe bringing many new customers and visitors to the Duke Street, Victoria Road and market area of Dartmouth?

Existing traders who are giving good service, food and refreshments have nothing to fear, Costa will attract a whole new set of customers who, while coming for coffee at Costa, will also visit the other shops in the area and bring much-needed new trade in the area.

Two shopkeepers have already told me, quietly – the sooner the better – but do not wish to speak openly in case their premises are defaced as the shop front in question was recently.