I know we're in the midst of hard times and people in the community, from top to bottom, are becoming ever more conscious of value for money BUT does the town need yet another el-cheapo shop?

I'm all for getting known brands more cheaply from stores such as Wilko's but, that store aside, this will be the third 'poundshop' style outlet in the town.

Yet, meanwhile… Many people, my family included, have to travel to Grimsby or Lincoln for such basics as shoes, clothes, toys, new (rather than second hand] books, music, movies, or a family meal.

Also, there is little in Louth to appease the town's youth that doesn't involve blocking up the entrance of Morrison's/Spar or kicking lager cans around Queen Street Car Park/The Gatherums…

Not only do the youth grow ever more bored and frustrated – Woolworths wasn't exactly HMV but at least they (the youth] could keep themselves amused with a computer game, or new CD every once in a while – BUT virtually all of the essential retail needs of young adults and young families remain unaddressed also.

I know Louth is the 'capital of the Wolds' and an 'area of outstanding beauty' but how does yet another bargain bin shop contribute to that lofty ideal any more than an HMV, Waterstone's, Next, M&S, Wetherspoon's would?

Not only is Louth in danger of failing to serve the needs of its own residents but also in danger failing to pull in punters from the surrounding areas. All this on top of ELDC's 'wonderful' idea of grinding the thrice weekly market into the ground, whilst still having the utter cheek to emblazon their vans with adverts extolling the virtues of local markets!

Perhaps, instead airing my disbelief and disappointment I should just be thanking my lucky stars we aren't getting a seventh charity shop, a fifth hair salon, or a fourth hippy tie-die shop instead!

Although I must give a big thumbs up to Gobstoppers – what a delightful and delicious shopping experience!

Paul Osborne
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