OVER the last weeks, there have been many column inches written about the impediments which prevent individuals from shopping in Corsham – whether that is the ‘dangerous cobbles’ or the ‘pirate car-parking charges’ or the ‘stand-and-deliver rents’.

But little has been promoted in respect of the many independent traders offering excellent service and goods in Corsham: a newly-arrived butcher (revitalising that shop); our bookshop (often quicker to get you a book than Amazon); our award-winning health-food shop; our ever-helpful hardware shop; our independent deli; our greengrocer; our picture framers; the new retro and vintage shop; an award-winning gastro-pub (about to expand). The list could go on...

Clearly, there are challenges but, nonetheless, there remain numerous reasons to shop in and visit Corsham: it is very much open for business.

Unless we all make an effort to shop in our local town, the challenge becomes intolerable and more shops will close. Pusillanimous as the local councillors are, on this occasion, it wouldn’t be entirely their fault if shops close and we haven’t done our part to support Corsham’s existing retailers...

PAUL KEFFORD, Corsham