PLANS to regenerate Orpington have received a resounding thumbs-up from News Shopper readers. Last week we revealed a strategy to change the face of the town, with a central pedestrian piazza a top aim. And since the article our phones have been red-hot with people keen to offer an opinion.

Housewife Kim Dixon, 39, said: "I agree with it. Orpington has generally gone downhill. It should be like Bromley."

Susan Wilson, a nurse in her 30s from Green Street Green, said: "It's a great idea and I'm very much in favour of it."

The standard of Orping-ton's shops concerned some readers. Retired pensions secretary Peter Lemon, 77, said: "Anything to improve it. I would like to see some of the tatty shops go. We want a decent shopping area where we don't have to travel. Bromley is the place people go to generally."

Supermarket checkout worker Patricia Lumsden, 59, said: "Frankly the plans are a great idea. Pedestrianisation would be fantastic. I find it rather aggravating when I want to buy something. The whole place is turning into a charity area.

Underwriter Chris King, 26, said: "It's a good thing. Orpington has always had rubbish shops and no-one wants to go there. People are attracted to Bromley and Thurrock Lakeside, and Orpington loses out. And when Bluewater is built Orpington will appear even less attractive."

Social Services worker June Rainey, 41, was concerned at the lack of entertainment on offer. She said: "We need a cinema. There were three -- two in Orpington and one in Petts Wood. All you can do in the evening is go and have something to eat or drink. I have two teenage children and they have to go to Bromley."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.