PEGGY THOMAS' letter last week would have been more helpful if she had indicated precisely what she thought would be an appropriate redevelopment of the former Ushers site rather than direct everyone to an obscure and not particularly relevant website.

Foinavon have been very informative throughout the pre-planning phase of their proposal with public exhibitions, much informative data and readiness to answer questions from the general public. Such an attitude from a developer is most welcome and it must be said makes a refreshing change.

In respect of Marks and Spencer's position in regard to Trowbridge, perhaps Mrs Thomas did not write to the correct department of the company. I have, in my possession, a copy of a letter from the acquisition surveyor of M and S dated October 2002.

This states quite categorically that "M and S have a requirement for Trowbridge and that the Ushers Brewery site offers us the opportunity for a large store format with surface parking on the perimeter of the town centre."

We thus have a golden opportunity to improve quality of shopping in Trowbridge that will surely encourage other big name stores to locate new branches here.

The economic spin off will mean greater prosperity to the town and more employment opportunities for the district. We would be extremely foolish to pass up this opportunity otherwise the centre of Trowbridge could become a doughnut of dereliction.

CLLR GRAHAM PAYNE,

West Wiltshire District Council,

Trowbridge.