The demolition of the Ridings would see a warm place for people to meet disappear in Wakefield - Yorkshire Post Letters

Much has been said and written regarding Wakefield Council’s proposals to demolish The Ridings and surrounding shops. Whilst many people are concerned regarding the further (terminal) decline of Wakefield as a shopping centre, some organisations support the scheme! However, few, if any, have considered a vital role played by The Ridings and the Marks and Spencer (M&S) cafe.

We are an aging population, with many single people who are confused by mechanical voices on the phone and automated self checkouts at supermarkets etc. The need for face to face conversation has never been greater.

An attractive feature of our late lamented market was the chitchat and repartee of the stall holders, all of which added to the shopping experience. Alas, this has been lost.

Both The Ridings and the M&S cafe provide a warm, comfortable and safe environment for people to meet, have refreshments, and chat. These facilities will be lost under the proposed redevelopment.

Whilst there is seating in Trinity shopping centre, because of its semi open nature, it is not particularly attractive in cold, raining and windy weather. The same applies to the proposed large open spaces.

Town and City centres do not survive on shopping alone. For many the ancillary attractions of coffee shops and cafes are equally important. I urge Wakefield Council to take these considerations into account when considering these large scale and potentially damaging proposals.