Priced out of the shops

SIR – The kiss of death to high street retailers such as House of Fraser (Comment, June 8) has been online shopping, petrol prices and parking fees in many major cities.

I live in the West Country and my nearest House of Fraser store involves a 70-mile return journey costing approximately £20 to £30 in petrol. Parking fees vary from £3 for two hours to £6.50 for four hours.

Why spend this amount when you can order online and, in many cases, enjoy free postage too? Rosemary Corbin

Zeals, Wiltshire

SIR – It is hardly a surprise that the bricks and mortar retail sector is struggling when the playing field is so uneven.

Internet shopping is convenient and has its place in our shopping habits, but high street shops shouldn’t have to bear an unfair burden of corporate and local taxes, both of which many internet companies avoid.

A sales tax would even things up considerably and benefit the country as a whole. Martin Moyes

Holt, Wiltshire