How can large retail stores compete with the superb personal customer care that is on offer here in one of our local shops?

Having visited Raymond's Stores in Coleford recently to purchase a carpet, I would like to convey to all Review readers the excellent service and value that is available on our own doorstep.

Why travel to the superstores in the quest for a good deal, it's all here in Coleford. The difference is that sadly the "good" deal from the superstore will never reach the high standards of customer care that the small shopkeeper can provide.

Raymond's service included value for money, delivery that did not come with a surcharge,a very efficient fitting that was on time and several smiling helpful assistants that could not have done more for me....I cannot understand how we have all been brainwashed into believing that the larger outlets are the only solution to our needs.

How many times have I experienced the all too familiar date and time of arrival that never materialise, the endless hours off work to see in a delivery and the frustration of being put on hold when you try to find out where in the country your goods currently are?

I feel we are neglecting our local suppliers in favour of the superstore and internet unnecessarily and would like to urge all Forest residents to support our shopkeepers.

It is an all to familiar story but, as the saying goes, you only miss something when you don't have it, so let's try and prevent this from happening and continue to keep the small businesses alive and flourishing by buying local.

I have decided that, where possible, I will patronise local shops in a personal bid to buck the trend for out of town shopping.This may be a tiny contribution in an inevitable process but it will give me enormous pleasure to prolong certain traditional services for, hopefully, a good while longer.

– Cheryl Holes, Coleford.