I READ the letter concerning The Horse and Groom pub with interest (Hotel plan looks right for site, December 7). I would totally agree with the author of the letter. Surely we should be encouraging new businesses into the local area rather than turning

I READ the letter concerning The Horse and Groom pub with interest (Hotel plan looks right for site, December 7).

I would totally agree with the author of the letter. Surely we should be encouraging new businesses into the local area rather than turning these people away.

I frequently read in the press about the public concern surrounding our dying towns through lack of investment.

Our town definitely reflects this growing trend, yet here we have a perfect example of local business people seeking to bring regeneration into our area and they find it to be a major uphill struggle.

New business should be encouraged particularly on brown field sites such as this.

I hope that the council sees sense and encourages this sort of investment in the future.

KEIR MACINTOSH

Barkway

I WISH to express my strong support for the idea of turning the eyesore and derelict Horse and Groom into a hotel.

I see no negatives, only positives.

There is a shortage of places to stay in the area, and, of course, it would create jobs. What on earth are the downsides?

RICHARD YOUNGMAN

Therfield