SIR: As we all know Debenhams are closing their stores. I would like to think the plans for the premises in Winchester High Street would be to bring Winchester back to life again and help small businesses recover from the current situation as well as improving on affordability for local businesses going into the future of our lovely city.

My own thoughts were market traders floor, a floor with a mixture of small local businesses stalls/pods and an open-plan canteen, with several local take-away food counters/stalls. Possibly allow space for WI, crafts, Scouts and other community groups to sell and make funds to keep these groups viable. We should be encouraging community spirit now of all times.

If the High Street were freed up this would make the area less congested during the majority of the year. The High Street could be used for a very short period whilst the Christmas Markets runs. Which would have more spacing to cope with the crowds, than the current location. Keeping the ice rink and seasonal mobile food vans in its present location allowing the masses more room, providing a more pleasant walk around the city and should Covid become a normal way of life, the spacing will reduce the risk of virus transmission.

Rachel Parker

Lower Road,

South Wonston

SIR: My wish is for the refurbishment of Debenhams's Winchester store with the first floor for small units around the room selling cooked meals using Hampshire produce with tables and chairs in the centre of the area, and with others areas selling fresh Hampshire produce, plants and herbs, and small units of crafts, possibly with craft demonstrations in high season.

The basement on the left side of room selling antiques, and to the right of the room selling unwanted children's toys etc to be run by volunteers on behalf of Hampshire NHS Covid-19 and cancer departments, if they agree.

The upper floors could be made into luxury apartments, thinking of Hampshire mature people who want to buy in the town centre, with affordable housing placed out of town on good bus routes and schools.

Any other suggestions would be helpful.

Kate Craig,

Stoney Lane,

Weeke,

Winchester