Can the High Street be saved by shoppers?

I AGREE with Elle Thomas’s views about the need to save the High Street (Letters). However, this will take more than the public changing its shopping habits from online back to real shops. People do still enjoy a shopping trip. We like to see what’s new to buy, try on clothes or shoes and have a coffee in a cafe or lunch in a restaurant.

Local councils could do a lot more to regenerate town centres. Astronomical parking fees put people off travelling into town, while reducing business rates would encourage independent shops. Converting boarded-up shops into flats is not the way to regenerate towns.

STEVEN MASON, Wigan, Lancs.

I SYMPATHISE with shop worker Elle Thomas about the reduced footfall in every High Street. But the fact is that by shopping online, I can save time, hassle and know I’m getting a good price.

MIKE SOUTHON, Bournemouth, Dorset. ONE way to encourage people to shop in the High Street would be cheaper parking. You should be encouraged to make a day of it so you can pop into lots of the shops and have a meal in a cafe.

ANN WILLS, Ruislip, Middlesex.

HIGH Street stores can be their own worst enemies. I’ve been informed in two shops that the items I wanted to buy there and then, including an oven, were available only online.

How are we supposed to help save our town centres?

Mrs KATHLEEN DAVIES, Garnant, Carms.

THE High Street consists of charity shops, Poundland and grotty takeaways. There is nothing left of the traditional shopping experience thanks to sky-high parking fees and business rates.

PAUL CHARLES COOK, Huddersfield, W. Yorks.