Endless reconstruction but fewer shoppers

The proposed closure of Tesco Metro in Nicholsons Walk will be a real blow to so many older folk, who use the bus to get in to town to shop.

Tesco is just a short walk from the stops along Frascati Way and then there is a reasonable choice of other shops, under cover, in the immediate vicinity, including access to the post office at WHSmith.

Sainsbury’s is not so convenient and the walk to Waitrose and back to a bus stop with shopping rules it out unless you have your own transport.

This also applies to the other Tesco stores at Furze Platt and Bath road.

There is no other general grocery store in that part of town, except Iceland, which though excellent, fills a different niche in the provisions market.

I have to agree with John Woodcock in last week’s letters that the existing shopping centre has the ability to provide sufficient amenities, maybe with some sympathetic updating.

The photos of the proposed redevelopment of Nicholsons Centre shows an area that could be a clone of so many other town centres nationwide.

We moved to Maidenhead 45 years ago as it was a medium-sized market town.

It has lost all of its individuality and does not seem interested in encouraging family living.

As Martin McNamee, of the Maidenhead civic society wrote, the construction of a variety and mix of dwelling should be positively encouraged.

Sadly, the prospects for Maidenhead town centre shopping, don’t look all that rosy.

We have had enough of everlasting construction sites in and around the central area and more shops with fewer shoppers and meagre car parking facilities, does not bode well for the future.

JOYCE BANKS Silvertrees Drive Maidenhead