AS an occasional visitor to Devizes, I was interested to read the correspondence in the July 4 edition regarding shopping.

One of the reasons for my occasional visits is the shops. I live in a modern town, which, for the second time in 30 years, is being modernised. Yes, we have all the latest names here or coming soon, McDonald's, H & M, Jigsaw, Argos etc., but in a town of more than 90,000 people we do not have a single butcher's shop or greengrocers, and only one small supermarket (and these are surely the shops we want to visit regularly).

One of our last local businesses, a gents' outfitters, is closing at the end of this month because they, and others who have already given up, cannot afford the rents. The large shops can, of course.

The one important thing Devizes has, and so did we in the past, is character. That is now sadly missing from our modern but soulless centre.

So, if I as an outsider, could be permitted to advise, I would say proceed with caution. It is good to have large clothes shops, supermarkets etc, but not if that is at the price of the little shopkeeper.

Perhaps a visit to my town would be an eye-opener to the local council.

My trip this weekend to Devizes allowed me to fill my freezer with good, local produce as well as having one or two treats like a lardy cake for tea.

MARGARET PAYNE

Address supplied