Paul Reach, Letters, March 9, makes some very important points about the decline of retail trade in Dartmouth; we, of course, have the same problem in Kingsbridge.

While there has been great debate about redeveloping the Quay car park, Fore Street is dying before our eyes.

The burden of increasing business rates is obviously a key factor but more important is the impact of technology specifically internet buying and home deliveries.

Kingsbridge now has a significant number of empty shops and a continual growth in the number of charity shops. It is also clear that a number of the “proper shops” are struggling.

The fact is that technology in all its forms is destroying our villages and high streets. It threatens our health and our security, both personal and national. The implications are terrifying and there deserves to be a serious debate both at a local and national level.

Michael Baker

Bigbury Court, Bigbury