I am emailing you in response to your article regarding the proposed bar/restaurant on Kenton Road with my full support for the application.

I am a local resident who has lived in the area for 23 years and has seen some major changes, particularly to that part of Kenton Road.

All these changes I believe have definitely been for the benefit of the area, with more quality shops available for the local residents to use, but one thing that has never changed is the footfall.

It seems that regardless of all the variety of shops that have always been in the area, the level of passing trade has never really increased to significant numbers that would make a difference to local trade, why could this be?

Could it be to do with the fact that applications like the one for the bar/restaurant get rejected by local residents due to the concerns over noise and parking?

All I can say is this. Every resident who bought/rents houses in the surrounding streets were all fully aware that their proposed home is next to a main road, so for residents to object such applications is, in my mind, a contradiction in terms, as increased noise and other issues that arise from living near a main road are the same, wherever you visit across the country.

As I said before, I have been living in the area for many years and an 'up-market' place would be a refreshing welcome as increased footfall is vital for the growth of small businesses, especially with big marketplaces like Sainsbury's threatening the existence of such shops, which over the years have been a cornerstone of trade in Kenton.

Also, with the recent closure of The Lancer, should now leave a space in

the area for a replacement and a restaurant, which caters for young professionals and the like is required as at the moment they have to leave the area in order find places to dine and enjoy themselves.

What we should be encouraging is the use of more local facilities, not only to capture trade of residents, but also from the surrounding area, which many other areas have already done and are continuing to do so.

Let's drive Kenton forward and support businesses like C and R Group, who are willing to invest large sums of money in order for local growth.

YATIN PARMAR

Prestwood Avenue Kenton