WHAT has happened to Kidderminster? The town appears to be slowly shutting down.

After my recent visit to family living in the town centre, I was saddened to see so many shops and large premises boarded up.

Why don’t the local authorities see the potential in making more use of the river and canal?

Take some tips from Holland and France, where there are attractive buildings housing shops, restaurants and bars, with access to stroll along the canals.

Kidderminster screams out for an improved alternative transport system. The current bus link is unreliable and forces those who have cars to use them.

I waited in Kidderminster centre for the bus to Stourport on October 21. Two buses did not turn up.

Apparently this nonchalant, unreliable bus service is quite common and people are angry and disappointed.

The transport systems must improve and aim to accommodate everyone, if the town is to help address the growing environmental issues and reduce car traffic which is dominating the town.

Mrs Ekman Sweden