IT appears – according to their latest newsletter – that the town s Liberal Democrat councillors have joined the bandwagon of blaming the local Conservative-led councils for the current state of the town centre. I agree that the town centre is at a cross

IT appears - according to their latest newsletter - that the town's Liberal Democrat councillors have joined the bandwagon of blaming the local Conservative-led councils for the current state of the town centre.

I agree that the town centre is at a crossroads and faces an uncertain future.

Indulging in petty partisan electioneering, however, is not the answer.

No council, whatever its political allegiance, can be blamed for the general decline in the town centre caused by changes in working, shopping and living habits; geographical constraints and basic economics for allowing large retailers to wield increased buying power.

The photographs of empty shops and markets used to highlight negligence by Conservative councillors emphasises my point.

# The Toy Shop closed following the well deserved retirement of its proprietor.

# Powerhouse in Angel Pavement closed following the nationwide chain going into liquidation.

# The Woolwich branch was closed following the realisation that Barclays did not need two branches so close to one another.

How any objective and clear-thinking person can blame any council for these things defies belief.

Even the picture of the market is misleading.

The market is in need of rejuvenation, but is currently being tendered for by a bid team including the Conservative-led Royston Town Council.

Something positive is being done despite the negative undertone projected.

What the Liberal Democrat councillors need to understand is that before the town can improve, we need solid ideas of what to do.

They disparage the amount of talking with no action, but then suggest more debate as the answer.

Where are the ideas there?

Revised timings for the farmers market are suggested as a new initiative, but are already being looked at by the town centre manager.

The state of the town is too important an issue to cloud with party political disagreements.

We should all work together if we are to avoid losing direction.

Following my previous request for ideas to improve the town, I thank those who have contacted me and again urge anyone with ideas to contact me on paul.grimes@live.com and help make Royston the town we want it to be.

Cllr PAUL GRIMES

Royston Town Council