So, we’ve been told Crest Nicholson is offering a year's free occupancy of a Brightwells retail outlet to an independent business owner. The question is then posed: genius or desperation?

For starters, on the evidence of the last 20 years, I suggest we can rule out genius.

While the accompanying press release is couched in the usual over-the top developer-speak – I don't think any of us would mind if the word "vibrant" was never printed again in this context – the press release is right to state "Farnham has long been known for its thriving arts scene and creative community."

Coming from Crest, that observation is ironic, given its contribution has been to destroy the community assets left to the people of Farnham in perpetuity.

This includes, of course, the Redgrave Theatre, which it has signally failed to replace with anything at all, after nearly eight years of trying.

Both M&S and Coppa Club, having smelt the coffee, have both pulled out and the majority of the site remains untenanted.

So, is it desperation? Not so long ago, the company offered all the retail outlets in West Street a year's free rent. You don't have to be the brightest to wonder what the rent would be in subsequent years, and unsurprisingly and unanimously, the offer was not taken up.

That, I think, was desperate, and while Crest clearly has form in these stakes, I suggest the most suitable word for this latest offer is "gimmick."

Even as I pass through the mostly deserted wastes of the development, I sense that even though we have been lumbered, for the foreseeable future, with this white elephant, the consensus locally is we need to make the best of a bad job, and any support or ideas we can offer should be welcomed.

Here's one: It occurs to me the square would be a wonderful venue for a community – yes, community – play. Could we manage that between us? A few audiences of around 500 would cheer things up no end.

David Wylde

Saint James Terrace

Farnham

There is no need for your correspondent David Blower to apologise for his pendency (letters 6th March) regarding the use by the Herald of the word “gotten”.

Two more transatlantic aberrations that should be consigned to Room 101 – along with fast food, fizzy drinks and numerous other things – are the use of the term “can I get” when ordering drinks and the frequent use of the word “like” being littered throughout a conversation.

Perhaps I’m just turning into a grumpy old git?

Robin Welland-Jones (ex Farnham Grammar School)

Bentley

I am sure that I am not alone among your readers by being confused by your latest article on the Unitary Council (UA) proposals for Surrey (Herald, 27 February).

The article clearly stated that Surrey district/borough leaders are “committed to working together towards submitting one bid (for the UAs) for the county.”

Nowhere does it say anywhere in the article that anyone has ‘ruled out’ what the headline called a ‘mega authority’.

Just to add to the confusion the caption to the photo even says: “A Surrey ‘mega council’ has been ruled out following a meeting of borough and district leader(s)”.

A disturbing clash between your article and the headline. A temporary lapse in your usually high standards of editing – I hope!

Dave Shurlock

Farnham Labour

Commentators across the political spectrum welcomed the Prime Minister's skilful performance in Westminster and Washington the other week.

He has raised defence spending to 2.5 per cent after cuts under the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, and got assurances from the US President on everything from a free trade deal, to Ukrainian security.

It was moment of welcome constructive consensus as the government leads Britain and Europe through a moment of peril.

So one wonders whether our MP, Greg Stafford, is even aware of what is going on in politics at the moment.

In his 'Britain must strengthen military now' piece, published in the Herald on February 27, he called on the Government to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, which it has done.

He complimented Latvia and Lithuania for becoming energy independent from Russia, yet voted against the Government's attempt to do this in the UK.

Raises for Armed Forces personnel? He voted against. Politics is about your words matching your actions. Labour promised to reverse defence cuts and bring our energy production back under our control, it has done both of those things.

I understand, he is in opposition so feels he must blindly disagree with everything the government is doing. But times have moved on, and the stakes are high: Europe may be facing down the Russian autocracy alone.

We need serious politics for serious times, not non-sensical talk about foreign secret stealing when his own party allegedly welcomed Chinese spies right into the heart of Parliament.

Looking at the exchanges in the Oval Office last week I was relieved Britain was represented by a tough, experienced negotiator, who has the guts to put country above party. I sincerely hope Mr Stafford can rise to the seriousness of events. I won't hold my breath.

Chris Waters

Churt

I must concur with last week’s letter (A hazardous walk through Alton’s streets, Annette Blackman, published February 20).

One of the most disgusting things that occurs is the amount of mess left by the owners of dogs.

Why do people walk their animals in town if they cannot even stop and clear up? Maybe it’s because they don’t carry a bag.

I heard of a case recently where an owner was fined a large amount for not even carrying a means to pick up.

Mrs D Wood

Alton