Christchurch Council and its planning department has stated that Christchurch should have a ‘niche shop/cafe’ culture. Six of the recent food outlets are or will be multi-national chains.

Another decision to balance the retail and food outlets has been ignored as all eight new food outlets have moved into retail premises.

DCC and Christchurch Council offered to support Kelly’s Kitchen’s move to another venue in the high street as it is a family run, popular and thriving business.

Now they are saying there are too many food outlets. As a resident and a council tax payer I am tired of Christchurch and DCC ignoring the views of local people and turning Christchurch into a motorway service station full of multi-national chains.

JANE POWELL, Arthur Road, Christchurch