Q&A

We try to support our local markets & corner shops, and the petrol stations. We have a long way to go to get sub-standard fuel at cut-price supermarkets, so we are grateful for the facility of local filling stations even if we pay a few pence more per litre. It will cost us dearly if we lose them (22 miles each-way to a cut-price station!). Local fruit & veg is always cheaper than those supposed half-price offers on over-priced stuff in the Co-op or Tesco. When did we last see blueberries at £4 a punnet. Don't kid me!! We bought our TV & DVD player from the local shop and they have been out twice to help us with the more complicated fecets of the controls, no cost, no complaints. Shop local, keep our town centres alive, we should be taxing the out-of town car parks at the shopping centres!?

In my village there is only one shop which sells any basic food and that is the sub post office and they only do emergency items at double the price of ASDA who are only 2 miles away. The pub is a good social centre but mostly for people who don't live in the village. There is a ladies hairdresser and a pampering parlour and the rest are restaurants (Indian, Italian, English (the pub) and coffee/light snacks). And a builders merchant. So not much available for me locally However, we do grow our own fruit and veg - they taste much better! That is even more local. Mike

Main Asda and Tesco distribution centres are 10 miles and 1 mile from me respectively so in my case any local produce hasn't gained too many miles. Also the main UK import centre for softwood and plywood from Scandinavia is only a mile away which does explain the cheap DIY materials. I do despise B and Q for their pricing, it is totally outrageous. It takes brass balls to sell a whole range of items identical those in the pound shops for £4 - £5 which means their cost is around 60p on those items max.