Proud of our town and what we do

It is inaccurate to say that only pubs and restaurants are open on Sundays and bank holidays as there are a number of shops that are open every Sunday. I agree it would be nice to see more open but many of our shops are small independent businesses run by one or two people. I wonder if Mr Garland/Richards works six or seven days a week.

Considering that we are in the middle of a recession Warwick has less of a percentage of empty shop units than either Stratford or Leamington and Smith Street has a higher occupancy rate when compared with 10 years ago.

There is a town centre group, of which the chamber of trade is a member, looking constructively at the future development of Warwick. Progress is slow but we wish to see a quality outcome not some rushed solution.

I assume that Mr Garland/Richards has been away from Warwick for the past several years when the Victorian evening has taken place or he would have seen the thousands of people enjoying a high class event which experiencing ever increasing popularity.

It is insulting to insinuate that the Chamber of Trade, which represents the businesses, are not proud of their town. They are, and many of them commit time, money and effort to the many events, which enliven Warwick such as the Folk Festival, Warwick Words and Victorian evening.

We outdo Leamington and Stratford in the scale and quality of our events, which draw many visitors. Also very many of the people of Warwick volunteer to help with these events.

Perhaps if people like Mr Garland/Richards put as much effort into helping promote and support Warwick as he does in criticising it some progress will be made. Perhaps he would like to tell us what he is doing to help? - Sue Butcher, Chairman Warwick Chamber of Trade.