Look again

9:00am Thursday 10th May 2007

Sir, A headline in last week's Letters suggested I wear rose-tinted spectacles when I look at Abingdon.

As the laboratory manager for an independent local optician, I pride myself on my ability to tint quality prescription lenses. I don't wear rose-tinted sunglasses: for spring, I like light brown.

Mr Naylor asks, "Take away the charity shops, banks and estate agents, what's left?" Abingdon has twice as many restaurants as charity shops. Of the 146 units in the centre, 81.5 per cent fall outside Mr. Naylor's criteria and 96 per cent are occupied.

The town boasts a diverse range of local retailers, like Added Ingredients and Centre Stage, mixed with big names, like Costa and Fat Face. That's not decline, that's prosperity.

But the bustle isn't just business. You may well come across parades, Morris dancers, bun throwing, fundraising, town criers, petition signings and community safety information being given out.

Abingdon is no ghost town. It's alive and it has a healthy heart.

Duncan Brown High Street Abingdon