WE shared the news that a report has been published on how to improve life for small businesses in Cumbria.

It comes as Carlisle sees progress on the rejuvenation of the city centre, which was marked over the weekend by a party on the newly reopened Devonshire Street.

Here's what readers thought.

Gill Elaine Brough said: "Be just great to see more shops in the high street to keep people in the town, be great to see some independent shops, local businesses and chains to bring life back into town."

Chez Kinghorn said: "Be nice to see an H&M back in Carlisle, plus shops like Uniqlo, Pull & Bear and Bershka. All reasonably priced fashion stores. However unsure how successful they would be, shopping seems to be a luxury now."

Chantelle Green added: "Needs more clothing shops instead of cafes or pubs or shops that are too expensive."

Harry Palmer commented: "People will say rents and business rates are the issue but the first hurdle to opening any shop/restaurant/coffee shop is the money required to decorate and equip the building you intend to use, then you need to fill it with stock. Then you need enough money to see you through the first six to eight months as you reinvest any money you do make back into the business. Staffing costs, if you’re unable to run the business by yourself and require staff that’s another huge chunk of costs to think about before you’ve even opened for your first day of trading."