MR Shaw! I shall tell you why you had to push your way around shops on Saturdays in the good old days!

Sunday opening was unheard of, people spent the day at home with their families and shopped on Saturdays.

Parking was easy, the town wasn't covered in yellow lines and parking spaces were free.

Look around Mr Shaw, this town is full of cafes and pubs where shops used to flourish.

We drive to Southport to shop - lots of character, beautiful buildings, walk along Lord Street, places to sit (not cold ugly stone benches), trees, good individual shops. Or try Bury, parking is cheap, again lots of individual shops. Both places buzz with life.

So yes, the crowds have gone elsewhere, but destroying the character of our Market Hall and bringing in all the "cloned" shops will not help.

The only people to cheer will be the money making developers.

By the way Mr Shaw, I have never had a purple rinse (pink streaks as a teenager). My husband has never worn a cloth cap.

I found your comments childish and offensive.

A petition signer for the Market Hall

Mrs Jackie Webb

Sandford Close

Harwood