From Lydia Browne SIR. Thank you for the excellent expose from your reporter Simeon Brody on Kingston Council's plans for the future of this historic town (Comet, July 14).

It truly beggars belief that anyone can even think, let alone be allowed, to destroy an ancient market town, which already has gone too far in its so-called modernisation plans.

We have a John Lewis store, which looks like a factory unit, on a prime riverside site. It could have been better designed to blend in with the history and environment of Kingston. One would think the council would learn from the past.

Then there is the new Bentalls Centre. Another ugly edifice inside, not outside, which is exhausting to negotiate. I know many 30-somethings who will not shop in Kingston anymore, because it is no longer a pleasure to do so.

It has become a nightmare, physically wearing and mentally exhausting.

The constant stress of having to look over your shoulder for mobile phone snatchers, muggers and pickpockets, and just negotiating the town itself, has become an absolute ordeal.

Kingston used to be a happy pleasant place, with a pretty thriving market, where people came simply to enjoy Kingston. Not anymore.

Even the poor market traders look glum, and are struggling to make a living in a town that used to be a joy to work in and come to.

Fancy telling market traders they must no longer call out their wares. How ridiculous! That is part of the character and joy of being in a market. If the nouveau riche, in their high-rise flats, are objecting to the noise, they should move.

How stupid to buy a flat facing a market, and then expect the locals to change their habits to suit the newcomers.

The council, with its high rents and bureaucracy, has destroyed the town and is responsible for adding to the everyday stress levels of innocent people, who sometimes have no alternative but to shop in this megalomaniac place.

And what about parking? To even touch on the subject sends my blood pressure into dangerous realms.

No use telling folk to use public transport when they can't transport heavy or cumbersome shopping on a bus.

Let's now go to the other end of town the Rotunda centre. What has it done?

Week after week the Comet reports crime and antisocial behaviour from this part of town not to mention the odd murder.

Instead of all these crime-ridden nightclubs and discos, how about the council planning and building, on the riverside and away from the town centre, a really beautiful ice rink, where youngsters can have fun and learn to keep fit?

Kingston also needs a hotel, a building that is architecturally in keeping with the town's history and old values.

The good people of Surrey need to unite in force to stop developers and any future plans to tear down and rebuild our historic town.

One only has to look at Croydon the carbuncle on the bottom of Surrey to realise and fear Kingston's future.

Will Kingston compete with Croydon and become the carbuncle on the face of Surrey?

I implore the Comet to start a campaign now, to stop this rot.

LYDIA BROWNE via email