I WOULD like to congratulate East Cambs District Council on its narrow-minded, short-sighted stupidity. Years ago, the Fens kept incomers out of Ely, now it seems to be the job of ECDC. I believe a survey a few weeks ago showed that most people who lived

I WOULD like to congratulate East Cambs District Council on its narrow-minded, short-sighted stupidity. Years ago, the Fens kept incomers out of Ely, now it seems to be the job of ECDC. I believe a survey a few weeks ago showed that most people who lived in Ely do not shop, work or socialise here. Why - there is nothing for them. ECDC turned down planning permission for valuable retail outlets which might have attracted people to come to Ely and then go into the city centre. I like Lidl and need DIY stores (which need adjacent parking not town centre position) so have to go to King's Lynn, Peterborough, Cambridge and Newmarket etc. and while I am there I browse and shop in the other facilities. Ely city centre has no vitality to preserve and is losing viability. Shoppers coming to or remaining in Ely for the DIY and other out-of-town attractions would also visit the city centre.

I would like to compliment Forest Heath District council for granting permission for Sainbury's in Mildenhall, as they see it as an attraction to people living in Soham - and possibly me too.

JOAN WALL, Ely Resident