I AM appalled to learn that following the closure of the tourist information centre in Richmond, the building is to be used by a company selling ice cream and possibly other food items.

One such company already has two high profile outlets in Richmond – the centre of the Market Place and the waterfalls, which are big attractions to tourists.

To permit the same company to use the tourist information centre would, in my view, be tantamount to creating an ice cream monopoly.

To add insult to injury, I understand that this company wishes to place tables and chairs in Friary Gardens.

Friary Gardens is a garden of remembrance. The suggestion is offensive to the memory of the men and women who gave their lives for this country.

To do both these actions would require planning permission and change of use applications.

These applications should not be dealt with by Richmondshire council under delegated powers but should come before the full planning committee. Full public consultation should also take place.

I hope that Richmondshire District Council will give serious thought to this matter and take into consideration the views of the public.

Joyce Chaudhri, Richmond.