I've really enjoyed running the shop but sadly I have been forced to move on.

I would also like to ask the councillors and town planners to take their heads out of the sand and stop blaming Matlock's recent demise on a national economic recession before its too late.

The following are facts not fiction.

1 - When the fair used to park on Bridge car park, myself and other traders in Dale Road might just as well have shut for a fortnight, that was the extent of the affect on our trade because that was where our customers parked.

Now its been dug up.

2 - People have stopped coming by bus as they don't want to have to walk so far into town across windy highway from the awful new bus station.

3 - The day the bridge was closed is the exact day people stopped driving into Matlock and stopping for a quick shop.

4 - I may be the first to go but I know of at least five who will not be here for long.

Instead of sitting in your offices making plans, go out and actually listen to shopkeepers in the town before they all have to close.

Councillors please also consider this: Imagine if your salary depended on actual footfall into your offices at the town hall, and that Bank Road became a one way street coming down the hill.

Imagine the car park at your offices and also by the Imperial Rooms were dug up and that there was no more free on road parking.

Would you then be saying your lack of salary was due to national recession and that you were going to remain positive but do nothing to rectify the matter?

Anne Stubbs
Pins and Needles
Matlock