WITH reference to the article by the former owner of Zest (The Bolton News, November 22).

Whilst it is regrettable that staff have lost their jobs, Mr Cort seeks to blame problems with planning applications and neighbours for his decision to close his delicatessen business.

I have lived in the Smithills area surrounding this business for a considerable number of years. We have had little or no problems with previous occupants of the building — until the arrival of Mr Cort, who misguidedly thought he could open a business in a residential area without any consultation with surrounding neighbours.

Customers see fit to park wherever they choose on a busy road, often blocking residents’ driveways, instead of using the car park. In short, planning permission should never have been granted for this type of business. How would Mr Cort like this on his own doorstep? I think not.

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