I RECENTLY stayed in St Austell for a few days’ break. Oh, my goodness, this is a dire situation of fast-becoming-derelict towns.

You may question my right to be so horrible about Cornish towns, but I lived during my younger years in St Austell, with my schooling and my work with the post office - telegram boy, advancing to postman. Later, I left to work upcountry.

St Austell has an empty former sorting office where I used to work and there are numerous empty shops in Fore Street. This is by no means an isolated situation as it is repeated throughout England and Wales.

We know that high business rates are making the situation worse. Anyone wanting to start a business may not be able to afford rent and business rates. Perhaps pop-up shops could be an answer with a short lease. It might encourage entrepreneurs.

Newquay was vibrant when I went there and, of course, it’s a seaside town.

A major reason for the demise of St Austell, in my opinion, is the extensive Par Market. I was amazed at the scale of the place. Free parking makes the difference.

Out-of-town markets damage the high street. Perhaps the solution is to shrink Par Market and offer free parking in St Austell.

Promotion is all important. Marketing to every household within 20 miles or further. You have to let the people know about the changes and keep on telling them.

There could be free buses into the town and pop-up shops should be encouraged.

There could be street markets in Fore St with food stalls one day a month, pre-loved a day a month, charity stalls and local produce stalls a day a month and health therapies a day a month.

I trust these ideas will draw interest to improve the town.

Christopher Menzies-Trull

Via email