Good manners and gratitude are vital

I would just like to bring to everyone's attention the need for manners and patience in these difficult times.

I have been more and more aware of arrogant people who think that they can be rude and abusive to shop staff when they are being reminded of the necessary safety requirements whilst out shopping.

I am very surprised that there are so many people who still feel that they have the right to tut, roll their eyes and even argue with shop assistants.

The rules have been around for long enough and clearly advertised in the media, hands, face, space.

My four-year-old nephew understands the need to stay away from people when he’s out in the town, he knows he needs gel when he comes in from playing outside and he washes his hands routinely.

So, come on adults of Maidenhead and Cookham, respect small shops with restrictions on how many customers they can have in at one time, wear a mask every time you step into a shop and show some understanding for the businesses who are trying to maintain the same standard of service and choice with possibly less staff.

Consider that these services and shops may not be able to have as many staff working as they used to due to space regulations, that they may not have parttime staff such as students due to the increased risk and seasonal staff numbers may have had to be reduced.

These key workers stayed open and provided us with basic essentials through the last lockdown so let's thank them and be grateful that they are still open. KATHERINE COWDERY Wavell Road Maidenhead