Thanks for the advice guys, I'm going to have to think really give this a lot more thought..at the very least I think I will leave it be for now, update the site to wordpress then wait at least 6 months before changing the URLs, this way I'll be able to understand any fluctuations better.

Hi guys,

I have a very old website that has some very nice backlinks over the years, as with everything things do get old and the design of my website is no different. So I am currently in the middle of refreshing the design on wordpress.

Now to my question..

Most of the pages end with .htm and am wondering whether it's best to stick with these or remove them completely and redirect with more SEO friendly urls bearing in mind many years ago it already has one set of redirect from an even older url structure.

I really do not wish to share the website and I do realise that might cripple any answers a bit but some general opinions would be much appreciated.

Thanks