Waking up to 21st-century retailing

Sir,

The problems causing the enclosure of national retail chains like Toys R Us and Maplin are also impacting businesses here in Oban. So why are local politicians and trade groups refusing to act and think we still live in Victorian times?

Many people, and women in particular, now have such busy lives they have little time to shop, so it is much easier to go online. This rapid change in buyer behaviour is made worse by high property rents for high street shops compared to out-of-town stores and the punitive level of business rates as Holyrood seeks the mass strangling of golden geese.

Retail shopping in Oban is very enjoyable but we must change things to match the emerging 21st-century way of living. A handsome prince must be found quickly to awaken Kilmory Castle councillors from their slumbers and start to lobby Holyrood.

Oban business leaders must not only give solicitors and accountants earache over their high charges but try to waken tax haven-based property companies to the new realities of Scottish retailing.

And more local training courses must be provided to help retailers offer both bricks and mortar and click buying to customers. Mike Foster,

Sannox, Crannaig a Mhinister, Oban.