SIR — When I moved to Minehead in the mid 1970s the town was busy from Easter to October. Shops opened to 9 and 10pm every day.

Over the years, the town centre has become a ghost of its former self. Councils have allowed hotels to close and become nursing homes, multi-nationals have been given planning permission to do basically what they want.

Since Poundland came to town, the existing pound shop has closed and there is reduced staff in others.

Costa is not needed, and without doubt filling one shop with Costa will close others. With 15 outlets serving coffee in that area there is no need.

Chris Moiser (Your Letters June 21) has done a great job at Tropiquaria, but the Doniford farm park is a few miles from his. I have no idea what he or the town manager think a coffee shop will do to bring trade.

The old wine store in The Parade you will pay £1000-plus a week rent. No small local business can afford that.

Knock down the old hospital make a free car park to give traders the same playing field as the supermarkets then you may see the town centre revived.

Dudley Seale,

Bernard Crescent,

Minehead.