I DO not understand why the decontamination by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) in Salisbury is going to take months and why the Maltings shops have to remain closed.

The route taken by the Skripals from the Mill to Zizzi’s and through the underpass to the seat, now removed, seems established. There has been no report of them visiting any of these shops which are now suffering severe financial strain.

Recent reports indicate a sudden increase in extremely healthy rats now inhabiting the cordoned areas with no apparent ill effects.

It would be nice to know whether any positive Novichok samples have been found on any of the shops or on the walkway past them to the Market Place. If not, I feel the shops should be allowed to re-open now.

David Wise

Whiteparish.