I can tell you exactly why Tauranga CBD is becoming a deserted wasteland with tumbleweed blowing down the streets and shops closing up permanently.

Homeless people. When I came into the CBD on a recenet Monday to browse around the shops homeless men were sitting at doorways smoking, huffing and puffing their toxic air everywhere. It was disgusting.

Tauranga Mainstreet, the chamber of commerce and the city council should get off their backsides and fix the problem. And don't keep asking for money until you make the CBD a desirable destination to be in. Free of wandering homeless drifting cigarette smoke everywhere.

P Garner, Omokoroa.