HAVING recently returned from two years working in Australia I've spent some time reacquainting myself with Evesham town centre.

It strikes me that there is much work to be done to rebuild a once thriving market town.

It's disappointing to see many stores in our town sporting untidy shop fronts; take a look and you'll see weeds and peeling paintwork.

It is the responsibility of our shopkeepers and town council to maintain attractive and welcoming standards

On a positive note, the town centre is genuinely busy on a Saturday and it's encouraging to read about the forthcoming Waitrose development.

However, what is to become of the Riverside Shopping Centre, Bridge Street and High Street?

The council needs to actively incentivise a new flagship retailer such as BHS to draw customers into town.

We should offer to pay to redevelop a number of units to fit their needs and pay the rent and rates for at least two years. The halo effect of this would be invaluable for the whole town.

The Facebook photo memory site and the fantastic support of Remembrance Day show how strong community spirit can be.

We now need strong leadership and teamwork to make Evesham great again.

Scott Withey

Evesham