I DISAGREE with opinions expressed in HAS recently about the new shopping development in St Helen Auckland.

I think that County Councillor Rob Yorke and his colleagues should be congratulated for having transformed what was a rundown industrial estate (complete with eyesores) into what I am sure will become a thriving retail park.

Like it or not, out of town shopping works. Teesside Park, Dalton Park and, of course, the Metro Centre are all successful examples.

There is vision, strategy, drive and the determination to succeed at St Helen – qualities that have been missing in Bishop Auckland for many years.

The town centre was in decline long before the arrival of the St Helen development which has now become an easy target to point the finger of blame at.

It’s time for change – but far be it from me to suggest where.

Ian Heslop, Bishop Auckland .