SIR:The closure of Debenhams is a big blow for the city but I wonder if it does not also present an opportunity. Winchester is known, albeit to a lesser extent now than in the past, for its eclectic mix of small independent shops. The Christmas market has made the city a go to destination in December. Could Debenhams host a huge number of small booths allowing, preferably local, craftspeople to sell their wares for 12 months of the year?

Wood turners, pet portraitists, potters, ceramicists, engravers, leather workers, embroiderer, milliners, walking stick makers (bearing in mind the likely customers) and many others under one roof, properly promoted, would surely attract visitors from a the wider region to the benefit of our existing shops and restaurants.

In the same way as Hay on Wye became “the book town” could Winchester become “the craft city”?

Paul Openshaw,

White Hart Road,

Fair Oak