MORE and more homes are being built in Royston – but where are the extra facilities to cater for the rise in population? Shops are becoming sparse and instead we are becoming overwhelmed with charity outlets, estate agents, and betting offices. The High S

MORE and more homes are being built in Royston - but where are the extra facilities to cater for the rise in population?

Shops are becoming sparse and instead we are becoming overwhelmed with charity outlets, estate agents, and betting offices. The High Street will continue to suffer if something isn't done.

I would rather spend extra money on petrol and travel to Cambridge because I know I'll be able to find what I'm looking for.

Tesco, many believe, and the increase in parking charges, have contributed to the demise of the High Street. It's about time we started fighting back.

We need to attract a wider variety of shops, such as a book shop, a music shop, or even the essentials, such as a butcher's and a greengrocer's. Not everyone wants to shop at a superstore.

Over the years the town has lost numerous shops - Dewhurst, Monty Radio, Browns, the Co-op, Lo-Cost and Manor Books. The list goes on.

Now we see empty properties in Angel Pavement, with the collapse of Powerhouse and the closing down of another business. Where will it all end?

And where is the campaign to replace such businesses with outlets which will attract people to the town centre and, ultimately, perhaps, even increase business for the established retailers.

There now needs to be a real effort to show that Royston town centre can rival other market towns.

We need a vibrant town centre and an enlarged market.

The consequences of ignoring the situation would be to see Royston simply become a ghost town.