I refer to the current furore about the community shop and its display of goods on

the pavement outside the Conservative Club.

This is an extremely worthy cause that I believe is extremely poorly placed. If it is to continue as is, then surely all other shops and restaurants in town must be allowed to operate in a similar manner.

Restaurants and pubs on the front must be allowed tables by the river, the second-hand shop by the police station should be allowed the use of a few parking spaces for display purposes and Boots must be allowed to sell toothpaste halfway across the pavement in front of its shop. Of course, the Mare & Foal shop must be allowed to sell mares and foals right across Foss Street. This is only right and fair.

Or perhaps the council, rather than frittering away many thousands of pounds on the Mayflower project, could provide a rent-free shop in the market square for use by this community shop. A great cause in a far more appropriate place, not disadvantaging other traders in town.

Seems logical to me. Maybe that’s the problem.

Martin McGowan-Scanlon

Bay View Estate

Stoke Flemin