THE increase in town centre parking charges will be another nail in the coffin for our dying town centre (Gazette, November 19, “Town centre car parks set for price hike”).

It will increase the cost of anything bought in town centre shops or café, but does not stop at that, because shopkeepers and their staff will have another burden on top of Covid.

They already have to pay town centre management fees, loans, council tax, and rent.

It is small wonder that many are going bankrupt.

When I worked in the town centre, I watched as people opened up empty shops with great enthusiasm and hard work, only to see that after the initial interest few if any people came in. It must have been heart breaking to see their savings go down the drain.

Last Saturday I noticed that another retail park is being built in Stanway. They are so convenient for shopping - all on one level, no hills to climb, and FREE parking close to the shops. No wonder people don’t come into the town centre.

There is an even easier way to shop. You open your lap-top or use your iPhone and your order is delivered to your door.

Wake up to the reality of modern life, the days of a centre thronging with shoppers with fat wallets and purses are over.

Russell Rose

Colchester