TEN years ago we moved from Bristol when my husband retired, moving from chronic traffic and huge, faceless supermarkets.

I shop in Cinderford at my Co-op. Why?

1 free parking; 2 local, friendly staff; 3 Post Office; 4 travel agent; 5 chemist; 6 the Divi (nearly £50 for me this year!); 7 bus stops outside.

We have competition at Lidl and bakers, butchers and greengrocers in the town.

People may save a bit by driving to Gloucester or Ross but with the price of petrol it soon evens out.

You only have to look at Lydney town centre to see what Tesco has done to them.

Leave the Co-op alone and enjoy their friendly service while you can.

– Janet Ellis, Ruspidge.