TRADERS who set up their own consultation into plans for a town centre redevelopment say the response so far has been absolutely amazing . Independent shopkeepers from Letchworth GC took out a full page advert in The Comet last week to gauge public opini

TRADERS who set up their own consultation into plans for a town centre redevelopment say the response so far has been "absolutely amazing".

Independent shopkeepers from Letchworth GC took out a full page advert in The Comet last week to gauge public opinion on the proposals for The Arena and The Wynd.

Residents were asked to fill in and return feedback slips, which have also been available in shops in the area.

The traders say that although Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation's official survey showed favourable results, many businesses and residents are against the plans.

Terry Cox, who runs Cox's fish and chip shop in Arena Parade with his brother Mick, said the number of replies received so far is "getting on for about 800", and that the majority of responses had been in support of the traders.

Mr Cox added: "We've only had one so far that's in favour [of the redevelopment]. I just hope somebody listens to us."

One of the responses in support of the traders came from a girl aged just 12.

At nearly 800 replies, the traders' survey has netted nearly double Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation's £29,000 public consultation, which received 438 responses.

Mr Cox said: "That's what our aim was - to get more responses than they did and to get what people really feel."

Stuart Kenny, director general of Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, said: "Clearly, it is up to the retailers what they do and in turn, up to the public on how they respond to that survey.