WITH regard to the escalating decline of Evesham town centre and most other town centres, this is an inevitable result of a sea change in our shopping habits.

Out-of-town superstores and an increased use of online shopping will surely be the way of the future, leading to an ever-shrinking use of in-town retailers.

I have an idea that could use this situation to advantage.

If you walk around the town with your eyes raised above the shopfronts you will find evidence of its architectural history.

There is a plethora of Tudor, Georgian and other splendid styles.

What if the garish and mostly empty shopfronts were removed. These buildings could then be returned to their original use – houses.

This would have the twin benefit of providing homes, and therefore a permanent income for the owners.

The businesses that are surviving – and these are mostly pubs, restaurants and cafes with a sprinkling of other shops – would benefit from the increased footfall.

We all would enjoy an improvement our environment.

Ronald Payne

Evesham