IT IS with deep regret to read Mr Porter’s letter (Advertiser 22 June) that Squires of Bridge Street is to close.

Many people of Andover and the surrounding area, especially newcomers, are totally unaware of the unpaid financial assistance they gave to them. In my memory two occasions stand out and definitely worthy of recording.

Firstly, when there were but five colour television sets in the whole of Andover they donated a colour TV set to Shepherds Spring Pre School Play Group (at that time the largest of its kind in the UK) to raffle off in order to assist them with their financial problems.

Secondly, they fully supported and assisted my campaign to organise the people of Andover and its surrounding area against the TVBC councillors who had assured a firm that they would be given planning permission to come and operate in Andover.

The firm used a chemical TDI in the production of furniture which according to the experts and professors (of those who could not attend my meeting I visited in Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester and recorded their statements to relay to the public at the meeting) they all confirmed that the residue from the ‘clean safe chimney’ hanging in the basin of Andover would reduce the average healthy person life by one year. If there was a major accident at the factory the whole of Andover would have to be evacuated.

Squires installed free of charge large colour TVs in both upstairs and downstairs of the Guildhall (the council at that time did not have TVs) so that the BBC could relay their televised report on the firm’s fire where police and firemen died from breathing in the fumes could be shown to the people. They also arranged for Tannoys to be installed on the outside of the building. Just as well because on the night of the meeting the people turned out in force. Not only was the Guildhall crammed from top to bottom, but outside people stood shoulder to shoulder from Bridge Street to St Mary’s church and all the side alleys.

So, I would like to say for myself and the people of Andover and Andover Rural, thank you, Squires, for your great help.

Peter Sumner, Coachways, Andover.