Sir – I have read with interest the response and comments with reference to my letter of August 29 with other journals picking up the mantel – “Proud to be Whitton”.

One resident replied to the state and lack of repair of pavements and walkways.

Without doubt this needs attention in particular our high street. A very popular meeting place for shoppers.

How commendable it is that places like Café Venice and Golden Grill have taken advantage of their owned frontages and repaved them, enhancing the fashionable “café society”

atmosphere enjoyed by other local towns.

Other eateries also are capitalising on using their frontages; this does raise the profile of our high street.

Like the residents of Whitton who keep their houses well painted and gardens clean and tidy, the shops in the high street that have vibrant and colourful well-cared for frontages and windows benefit from their efforts, unlike those that have not been cared for and make the high street look dowdy and dull.

It is everybody’s responsibility to do a little and not one or two to do a lot.

Our local PHAB Youth Group benefited recently from a presentation from the newly appointed town centre manager.

Comments passed were constructive and positive asking for more shops with clothes and interesting places to look at as at present they all head for Twickenham or Kingston to “hang out” – meet and chat.

The youth of Whitton are our shoppers now and for tomorrow that can secure the future of the high street.

Vibrancy, colour and care needs to reign in the high street for it to become fashionable and popular where shops and trades react to the needs of the local community – negating the need to travel afar for their desires.

More people should raise their voices to improve Whitton – so many of us find it a wonderful place to be.

PAUL A WENHAM
Nelson Road
Whitton