As we go into a new year I look back at some of the major stores which have been household names that are no longer trading.

January 2020 sees Beales - which had been trading for 139 years - go into liquidation, John Lewis not paying bonuses and several other businesses struggling after poor trading.

Maldon is a unique town with small individual shops in its High Street which gives personal service. This can only continue if obstacles are not put in its way, such as increased car park charges.

I understand Maldon Council has to make savings and increase revenue but surely with the amount of new houses being built in the town and surrounding area the increased revenue from the council tax should go towards this.

Judy Lea’s article in the Standard (January 23) was very interesting and to the point - not only does the council want to put another nail in the coffin in extremely difficult trading times by increasing car park charges, but it is also very picky about who it want to speak to about the charges, with only six businesses invited to the stakeholder consultation - and they were outnumbered by council staff.

Several people have voiced their opinions to me about how they feel let down by our council and our MP.

Maldon is growing at an alarming rate, but does not seem to have any infrastructure put in place (doctors, schools, roads, etc). We hear about new houses being built but nothing about the infrastructure and who is fighting for this wonderful town. If you sit back, it won’t go away.

I write this letter because I was born in Maldon, live in Maldon, worked in Maldon and love Maldon. I do not want to see it ruined.

Why not do a survey on the what the public feel about the town? They live and shop here. Not like the out-of-town councillors who are trying to damage Maldon.

Jonathan Wenlock

Wenlocks

High Street, Maldon