Letters: My town has changed - I wish we could turn the clock back

SIR - Is it my age, nostalgia or am I too sensitive but in my opinion New Milton and Barton have changed beyond recognition and sadly, for me, not for the better!

Barton once had a pub, next door a fine butchers and a good fruit and veg shop. Also a garage where you could buy petrol. Across the road was a bank, DIY shop and a hairdressers.

In New Milton we once we had a fresh wet fish shop, the Speckled Trout pub, two supermarkets, an oil shop (two screws / two nails - no problem), two off-licences, a NatWest bank. We also had a police station.

Traffic has increased enormously with poor drivers in huge 4x4s who never give way.

We have too many charity shops and not one decent restaurant open at night.

There are drug addicts and drunks in the high street and residents are afraid to come out after dusk.

I have lived here for 30 years and I wish I could turn the clock back.

David Tarbuck, Address supplied