WHEN people discuss the relative merits of grocery stores, they should bear in mind that the Co-op is owned by its members, who can go to meetings to discuss policy.

I've got to admit I've never been to these meetings but my mother was an ardent member of the Co-op. I can just imagine her stipulating policy at the meetings she attended.

This is democratic procedure that you won't get in stores owned by individuals out for their own profit.

Co-op shoppers get a dividend whereas in other stores all the profit goes to the individual owners.

– Wendy Corum, Cinderford.