Save the High Street

JOHN LEWIS is the latest retailer to challenge landlord costs — what a surprise!

As an independent retailer with more than 40 years’ experience, I feel the model for commercial rates, rents and service charges is not fit for purpose for modern retailing trends and demands.

Until landlords and the Government stop ignoring this fact — and there’s no sign of that happening — the decline of the High Street will continue unabated. DUNCAN BARNES,

Croydon, Surrey.