WITH reference to Paul Harrison s letter (Crow Postbag, November 15), I must object to the disparaging remarks made against Royston shopkeepers, in particular against one establishment of which I have been a loyal customer for 20 years. He obviously does

WITH reference to Paul Harrison's letter (Crow Postbag, November 15), I must object to the disparaging remarks made against Royston shopkeepers, in particular against one establishment of which I have been a loyal customer for 20 years.

He obviously does not know that this particular shop has a listed frontage, thereby, prohibiting any alterations or improvements by law without proper planning consent.

Does he also not realise that responsibility for exterior decorating of many businesses in the High Street lies with the landlords and not the shopkeepers.

Mr Harrison may consider this shop to be of a "shabby" appearance, yet I can tell him that not one of the customers could care less as it is the quality of his workmanship, courteous manner of himself and his staff that are important to them, not what the place looks like - and this is reflected in his thriving business and in the extensive customer base he has built up over the years.

As for late-night opening, this particular shopkeeper works extremely hard six-days-a-week, usually nine to 10-hours-a-day.

I don't see why he or, indeed, any other retailer in town should be expected to keep open in the late evenings for Mr Harrison.

And honestly, Mr Harrison, do you really think that painting in a missing No 2 will make people like you suddenly decide to support our local community? I don't think so?

NAME and ADDRESS

SUPPLIED