Yes we have seen a couple of retail parks spring up and yes we seem to have more traffic lights than ever. We've even seen more parking spaces created (although clearly these are only relevant if people want to come to the town!).
But, have we seen any real change to the infrastructure, which makes it an attractive place to live/work? The answer is no.
Town centres will thrive when there is sufficient critical mass of people with surplus income to spend.
You attract these people by having the right "environment".
This may sound very middle class but if the people that run Grantham are serious about reversing the decline then I'm afraid this is the mindset the decision makers need to adopt.
Ambition, passion and creativity are sadly not three words I'd use when
describing our local council leadership. We have a great town but it
could be so much better.
We live close to some wonderful countryside. The area is steeped in history. And the people are warm and generous.
Appoint a council management team who are passionate about Grantham and who want to spend their time making it a great place to live.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

? AS a shop owner, I know the dayto- day worries and disappointments that come along with this. But as an owner/stylist to see a quote (Journal, May2) about too many charity shops and hairdressers in this town leaves me feeling very disgruntled.
We all thrive in Grantham due to our outstanding customer care and the
fact that as a service we regard our customers as the most important ingredients to our businesses and do not merely see the paying public as
money walking through the door.
If shop owners cannot keep custom it isn't always down to financial or
stock problems but something far more simple – customer relations. Something that us hairdressers obviously do very well.

MARIA HACKNEY
Owner of Hair by Maria and Co,
Welby Street, Grantham

? THERE should be a threefold approach to encouraging town centre businesses:
1) The Town Centre manager should be paid by results not a salary with a penalty for each shop remaining empty for more than three
months. 2) Reduce business rates by 50 per cent for the first five years. 3) Free car parking.

STEVE CATTELL
Main Street, Hougham