I attended a meeting on Wednesday, December 11, in Helmsley Parish Church, publicised in a flyer delivered to our house, which was entitled Town Hall Consultation.

The chairman/convenor outlined the procedure as roughly “statements then questions, then general points”.

After timed statements, a number of questioners were able to speak.

It was a pity that much of the content of the “questions” was (often repetitive) criticism of Tesco, rather than clear short requests for information.

There was no time available for “general points”.

The real question we should have asked seems to be: Do we want the continued existence of Helmsley Town Hall in its present (or similar) form for the benefit of all in the local community?

Then, if the answer is Yes:

1. What concrete, sensible and viable proposals do we have to ensure that continuation in the short, medium and long term?

2. How much time, effort and money are we prepared to give to make our wish come true?

J Lee, Helmsley