REGARDING the decision by McDonald’s to close its restaurant in Bishop Auckland ’s town centre (Echo, Sept 18).

The fast food firm has closed its premises in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, after concerns were raised over a fall in trade.

The news came less than three weeks after Marks and Spencer announced it was to move its business to the out-of-town complex in nearby St Helen Auckland.

Traders and residents in Bishop Auckland are concerned that the loss of major retailers to the out-oftown centre could signal the end of the town’s high street.

They also fear that national retailers are being attracted to the St Helen Auckland site as opposed to the town centre.

It would seem that the Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Charlie Kay, is surprised by the decision by McDonald’s.

This from a man who was in favour of (and voted for) out-oftown shopping.

Durham County Council has spent thousands revamping the Market Place and then watches idly as all the shops move out of the centre.

What an incredible waste of taxpayers’ money – what have these elected councillors done to this market town?

Which business will be the next to leave the town?

C Parkin, Bishop Auckland.