Huntingdon Riverside cash should go elsewhere

I BELIEVE HDC should give up on Riverside and spend the �600,000 elsewhere. The Riverside area is perfect for use as it is – it achieves an excellent balance between a natural-feeling area and a neat, tidy and safe facility. Instead, the money could be fa

I BELIEVE HDC should give up on Riverside and spend the �600,000 elsewhere. The Riverside area is perfect for use as it is - it achieves an excellent balance between a natural-feeling area and a neat, tidy and safe facility.

Instead, the money could be far better spent on attracting leading retailers to Huntingdon town centre, in the form of heavily-subsidised leases, perhaps even offering a rent-free period of 18-24 months if the occupier is sufficiently attractive.

I'm certain John Lewis could be attracted to Huntingdon on a rent-free basis when their Waitrose store is such a success. A company such as John Lewis would provide a real boost to the town and other retailers, and would make perfect use of the old Woolworths site.

On the same theme, why not offer substantial financial incentives to restaurants opening in the town centre - something the town desperately needs?

Using the money in this way would generate revenue for the town and encourage an upward spiral - rather than unnecessary and strenuously-protested modifications to the Riverside area.

PAUL MAURICE

The Walks East

Huntingdon