Letter: MP is right over business fees

Letter: I totally agree with David Wright MP in his bid for business fees to be frozen in Oakengates (Shropshire Star, November 10). Traders are struggling in this recession, forcing shops to close.

The latest is the Sunshine Cafe in Limes Walk, due to the rent being increased. It's criminal for this cafe to close. The owners Carlos and Anne provide a good and friendly service. But are more shops to follow?

The Mall, which was at one time brisk, is now half-empty. I understand that the borough council, which owns the shops in Limes Walk, has to balance a multi-million pound budget, but what is the good of empty shops? They do not bring in any revenue.

Eyesores deter visitors and shoppers. We need to breathe life into the town, with new shops, not empty ones. There has been much talk about the regeneration of Oakengates but if it does not happen soon there will be nothing to regenerate.

Oakengates is dying, and if something does not happen soon. We shall have a sign which will state RIP Oakengates.

John Trafford

Oakengates