I PAID a visit to Coleford's Co-op yesterday spending about £20 on various foodstuffs. Having paid at the checkout with my debit card I realised that I needed change – two fivers for a tenner. I asked the young woman at the till: "I'm sorry, I'm not allowed," she replied. "The Co-op is not very co-operative," I observed.

I have only recently moved to the area and have already discovered that Coleford town centre has a death wish! Several shops are not (how shall I put this without giving offence?) especially welcoming.

I want to spend my money and I expect service with a smile not a scowl! Yes, I expect old fashion courtesy. Of course, this is a generalisation as there are those shopkeepers who are extremely cheerful, friendly and helpful but not all.

Secondly, whilst I do not presume to find city supermarket prices I do look for value and if I am going to do my weekly shop in Coleford I want prices to be reasonably competitive. The Co-op and the small Tesco are not.

Currently, it pays me to drive to Monmouth, even to do some of my shopping at Waitrose. It is seven miles from my front door to Monmouth yet it is often cheaper for me to shop there.

Whilst I have read much about the introduction of parking fees in Coleford, it is not this that will (has) put me off shopping there. Shop managers beware!

– Mark Parry, Broadwell.