PETER LUCAS of Church Hill, Kingswear, writes:

In the front-page story about the increase in rents charged by the Dartmouth Trust, Chronicle, December 4, the trust states that it is a ‘long-established local charity, whose work has a ­significant impact on the fabric of town life’.

Its unreasonable increase in rents certainly has had an impact. It has resulted in the closure of long-established shops, such as the National Trust’s and various others.

Like many things in life, something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. We are likely to see an increasing number of shop closures in the town, which can only be detrimental to everyone.

One of the attractions of Dartmouth is its selection of small and interesting locally owned shops, restaurants and galleries, and that variety is what the Business Improvement District is trying to encourage in order to raise the profile of the town.

These dramatic increases in rent will surely work against its aims.

I own a commercial property in town, the size and location of which could warrant a rent twice the amount of that which I currently charge. However, my tenant would not be in business if I charged him the higher going rate. I am happy to earn less from the property rather than see it empty and deteriorating.

I always believed that charity was for the good of all. I am sure that the local church and Dartmouth United Charities must feel that it is morally wrong to receive money unreasonably gained at the expense of others. There is a fair and just rate for everything in life.

Perhaps the Dartmouth Trust should bear this in mind when reviewing its increases in rent.