SIR: Winchester Labour Party's well thought out suggestion, via Peter Rees, for a covered market on the ground/upper floors of the Debenhams site (Chronicle, Letters, March 18) is excellent. Such a development would be of benefit to the whole community and would greatly enhance the future shopping experience of those using the High Street (which is going to need all the help it can get).

It is to be hoped that Winchester City Council will see this as a valuable addition rather than an alternative to the the grander proposals for Silver Hill and Station Approach and will seize the opportunity to move forward by entering into discussions with the building's owners as soon as possible.

Bruce Edwards,

Brassey Road,

Fulflood,

Winchester