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  I wanted to buy some large envelopes, bubble wrap and brown paper to send a parcel so went to Cross's one Saturday morning (in preference to using a supermarket) and found the shop closed! The world has changed. We can buy most things at supermarkets at lunchtime, after 5.30 p.m. and on Sundays so small retailers either have to find some way to compete or face the consequences. We have already heard that some of the businesses on this Forum use the internet services as they are more business friendly. I think that says a great deal and possibly indicates one of the reasons why Dover is struggling to keep its head above the water. The shopping 'centre' covers about three or four miles from Townwall Street to Buckland. This can't be a good business model. There is a generation that doesn't understand why you would waste time finding and paying for a parking space then walking miles for specialist shops when a one-stop out of town outlet provides all that is needed. With the internet shoppers don't even need to leave home. Dover needs a radical solution. The answer might seem brutal but I suspect you need to say goodbye to the Charlton centre and the London Road shops and get them all to relocate to a more centralised area where people can get all they need in a small radius. I'd go as far as turning Pencester Gardens into the new heart of the town with links to Biggin Street and the Market Square for the cafe culture and the big screen. I'd turn the DTIZ area into an open area with interesting features that might encourage passers by to stop, wander through to Castle Street (one of the real gems of the town) and then into independent shops (butchers, bakers, dressmakers etc) offering specialised service. Obviously this would all be linked by an integrated public transport system and a network of cycle routes.................................. and the sky would be filled with those flying pigs!
  Mark

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