With regard to the 'Youths make this a no-go zone' article on March 4, I would like to make some observations.

It seems that it is time again for the youngsters of the area to be blamed for the financial ills of Sussex Square. The basic truth is traders in Sussex Square do little business for the following reasons:

1. The area has a relatively small population, with Tesco and the town centre being within easy reach by both car and bus.

2. The shops here are expensive and often cramped for those with pushchairs and buggies.

3. Rents charged by the council force prices too high for some. This is borne out by the fact that a lot of businesses that open up in the square soon close down.

As for the 'yobs', I have lived here for more than nine years and have had no trouble with the youngsters who hang around the square, despite being over 60.

It is true that certain residents may get abuse at times but this is usually in retaliation for abuse heaped upon them by certain older residents of the area.

I went through the square on several occasions during the half term holidays and saw no problems from youths in the square, and I have never felt intimidated using the shops.

It seems to me that the traders are blaming their lack of business success on an easy target.

Len Maylin

Lennox Drive

Walcot