I WAS amused by the article written by an 11 year-old giving his opinion on the Co-op, which quite rightly he should have. But he does not realise what Cinderford (and Coleford) was like when it was a hive of shops selling everything from clothes to sweets!! (and no I am not old at 45!)
I also think that he does not realise that the two town centres are dying...and the problem is not only supermarkets – of which we all use and need, but other new and newish outskirt developments that are really hitting traders. It looks like Cinderford is heading that way too according to Co-op plans. What was wrong with putting these shops into the town?
The money going towards such developments should be going on rejuvenating the actual town centres and making them a place to shop, as in Monmouth and Ross.
I agree with other readers that the Co-op has good values and friendly staff, but I don't always shop there. We have these days a choice of where we shop, but we have no choice when it comes to losing our town centres!
So do we have a choice? Whether it be Co-op (which I would rather) or Tesco, we still lose our town. Put the funds back into the town centre, whoever wins!
Can I just add that the remarks in this week's letters about Geoff Sterry and his spelling mistake are rather trivial, as he is a Forester and that is how we say 'are.' I am sure that his blackboard did not have spell-check available! – Local Forester.
Help patients stay warm
I AM writing to support Macmillan Cancer Support's campaign to freeze out fuel poverty for cancer patients.
Rising fuel prices have affected many of us, but for cancer patients the effects can be even more keenly felt. Spending longer periods at home during recovery is just one of the reasons cancer patients have increased energy needs. Coupled with the effects of the treatment itself this means that cold really is colder with cancer.
In a recent Macmillan survey, two thirds of cancer patients struggling financially said paying fuel bills is their biggest money worry. Cancer patients face higher bills at a time when their income has often decreased, but do not automatically qualify for help.
Nobody with cancer should be left in the cold this winter because they can't afford to heat their home. Macmillan is urging the Government to extend the winter fuel payment to cancer patients. This annual payment is currently paid to everyone over 60, but could bring immediate help to cancer patients struggling with additional fuel costs.
If you're struggling to cope with the financial effects of cancer visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk">www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0800 500 800 to find out more and get hold of a copy of Macmillan's Help with the cost of cancer booklet and managing fuel costs fact sheet. – Helen Roberts, Cinderford.