I would like to warn all shoppers in Lydney (probably everywhere else as well but my experiences have been in Lydney).

I have encountered a worrying number of incidents (in excess of six during the last month or so) when I have been over-charged, double-charged or short-changed when shopping. At first I thought this was a coincidence or just bad luck but it has now happened so often that I can no longer accept this. There may have been even more occasions which have gone unnoticed but on the occasions I have spotted it, it has been on small purchases (ie small number of items) from independent shops/restaurants and also at a well-known supermarket.

A couple of times I have received an apology when pointed out which leaves me to give them the benefit of the doubt that it was an accident but at others I have received an impolite, in fact hostile, response that only leaves me to conclude that it was not accidental.

Making ends meet is difficult enough at the moment without shopkeepers or their employees taking an extra cut. Be alert, check what you are paying for.

– Concerned Shopper.