ONLY one per cent of people approve of plans to knock down a popular shopping parade as part of a major town centre redevelopment. But nearly three quarters of people said they would like to see it given a smart new look. These are the main results of a s

ONLY one per cent of people approve of plans to knock down a popular shopping parade as part of a major town centre redevelopment.

But nearly three quarters of people said they would like to see it given a smart new look.

These are the main results of a survey released this week into proposals for Letchworth GC town centre.

The survey is the second such consultation carried out by traders who are anxious about Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation's plans.

This questionnaire was put together and distributed by 14 shops and received 679 responses.

Richard Weston, of Photo Finish in Broadway, was one of those involved in conducting the survey.

He said the number of responses received was "more than the Heritage Foundation managed in four months for £29,000".

Mr Weston added: "Two per cent of those who had given their views to the Heritage Foundation approved of the plans.

"They're claiming that they got broad support. How can they claim such a low success rate is any kind of support?

"We're not against change but five-storey buildings of flats are not what the town centre needs and, as this survey shows, the public agrees.

"I would ask [Stuart Kenny] would he now review his plans."

Another trader, Paolo Maniscalco from Coco & Paolo in Broadway said: "The shop's been there since 1962, my father's worked there since 1962.

"We provide a very good service to the town.

"To lose someone like us, it would be very difficult to replace.

"We've got such a good location here. Not knowing is the problem. How do we plan for it? They're not giving us any advice at all."

Sarah Pearson, who works at Rebecca Jane in Arena Parade, said: "I feel very strongly that the Heritage Foundation are making a mistake.

"I think they should think about refurbishment rather than demolishing Arena Parade."

The Comet will carry an exclusive in-depth interview with Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation director general Stuart Kenny on the survey and the Foundation's proposals in next week's edition.