I fully understand the landlord/economic argument Brian but it is the outcome which so distresses me and leads me wonder how far further we have to fall at the hands of the current government mantra and the war on common sense and decency!
As you say some of the properties in the Bigg Mkt were in poor condition but in Grey St the properties remained beautiful and in good shape. What has ruined that street is a local planning administration which has allowed the ruination of historic ground floor frontages and the addition of awful pavement eating areas.