I came for two main reasons: to visit and shop in the wonderful local shops mainly food rather than typical tourist 'tat' but also as I wanted to visit a local church where my parents were married over 50 years ago.

I did enjoy the town - the people, places and atmosphere - not just for its tourist attractions and I hope to return to shop again and bring both my parents to see the church they married in.

I bought a local paper and read about the town plan and a letter about what money should be spent on and would like to give my opinion of what I hope the town will evolve into.
I personally wish to see the local shops remain - but their attraction is that not only are they shopped in by locals, but people are also able to visit and share in these wonderful facilities - too much emphasis on tourism can spoil the very thing people come to experience, a tourist comes for one visit 'does' the town then moves onto the next destination.

A food shopper returns, someone who is made to feel welcome not resented returns, not being ripped off as a tourist makes you want to return.

I may not come very often but by supporting the local facilities I hope my spending preserves what is good for visitor and resident.

I live in a 'clone town' which has the same shops as everywhere else - 'shopping tourists' can now find the same shops in their own town - as a resident I find it more difficullt to get good, fresh local, good value food in Nottingham, hence my visits to market towns such as Louth.
Please get the balance right between preserving the town and looking to its future - please keep it real.

Yvonne Dragun
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