I write in response to suggestions from councillors etc concerning the possible purchase of Webbs Hotel by the District Council in the absence of any progress on its renovation as the overall costs to the pivate sector must be prohibitive.

Whilst the site remains an eyesore, it is surely notthe Council's role to pick up the bill for the property'srestoration. It would then have to find some dubious role for the pemises so that it would probably lose money at further cost to the ratepayer.

The Council's record on its planning and commercial activities in the last 20 years has been fairly disastrous as witnessed by the Safeway development, limited business growth, decline of town centre, traffic problems, cattle market and so on. It has led to the town's decline into a dormitory for other areas. Please also remember that the current dramatic decline in agriculture incomes has not yet fully been felt by the own but the signs are there. This will inevitably cause further decline.

In order to encourage economic activity, perhaps the Council shouldrecognise that half of Liskeard's retail area is no longer required and should be converted into housing. It should consider improved car parking free to compete with Safeway and rago and look to encourage local industry and job prospects.

This may reduce Caradon's income in the short term but perhaps it is time for it to recognise that it also has to cut its cloth in line with the affordability of its residents imposed upon them.

R A GRIGG

Hillmans Cottage,

Tripp Hill,

St Neot