Sir – The Government has announced a range of measures which will hopefully protect the banking system from collapse and therefore safeguard local jobs, plus of course, our entire economy. Not being a banker, I don t know how successful this is likely to

Sir - The Government has announced a range of measures which will hopefully protect the banking system from collapse and therefore safeguard local jobs, plus of course, our entire economy. Not being a banker, I don't know how successful this is likely to be, but, like everyone else, I sincerely trust the financial medicine will work.

However, what I really would like to know is what the Government intends to do about the stalled retail developments across the country. There are a many such developments up and down the country, but, most notably concerning us of course, is Hatfield Town Centre - which has been put on hold because big banks are unwilling to lend money to finance such projects.

So, if the Government is intent on reinforcing the banks' willingness to lend, is there any intention to ensure that places like Hatfield receives the benefits of that reinforcement? Yes, it is a locally-biased question, but nevertheless, still extremely relevant. So isn't it time this Government took full responsibility for its dodgy smoke screening financial record and own up to the impact it has had on us here in Hatfield.

Roy W Painter, Bradmore Way, Brookmans Park.