SIR — I was very saddened to read the letter from Mr Stevens (Free Press May 8).

I appreciate some of his sentiments. Most of us in West Somerset live on tight budgets, but I wonder what I have been doing fighting for our village survival for the last 12 years if someone from Porlock feels they will be happy to live in an area with just a couple of large hypermarkets within a 30-mile radius.

I'm convinced that's what will happen in the not too distant future if we don't support our local shops. It's happened all over the country already – we must make sure it doesn't happen here.

Thriving local businesses are the life blood of the area. Visitors come not just for the scenery, peace and tranquillity but because we have small family run enterprises, not because we have large national supermarkets.

We all need visitors to create a thriving economy.

What happens to the elderly (and yes Mr Stevens, you too may be old one day) when they can't drive and the wonderful free bus passes cease to exist? How will they do their shopping?

Graham Sizer has lived and worked in the area all his life and has dedicated thousands of hours for the good of the community. He and his business have continually supported endless organisations and events in the area.

I am convinced his motives are for the benefit of all of us, and I hope he will keep up the good work. There are too few people willing to take an active role in their communities.

We are all privileged to live in such a wonderful area, but we must all play our part in helping it to thrive.

Please support local businesses.

Denise Sage,

Manager,

Porlock Visitor Centre.