THE coffee culture is one that has grown rapidly across towns and cities in recent years often much to the disliking of residents claiming that too many coffee shops diminishes variety in the high street.

But for Ringwood residents it seems that too many coffee shops is no bad thing and it would be better to have a bustling trade for the market town than vacant shop units.

Though the Daily Echo counted six coffee shops in the 0.3 miles between the Furlong, Star Lane, High Street and Meeting House Lane, it seems coffee shops are what Ringwood wants and the industry has responded in kind.

Norman Yates, 80 and from Bournemouth, said he found there to be "an adequate number of coffee shops" for the town.

"I don't go generally go to coffee shops but I think there are enough for those who do," he said.

"It can be overdone but if people want coffee shops then they will provide the business for them. It is a nice little place, Ringwood."

Alfred Riley, 80, of Avon Castle Drive, said: "I think it's great. I have just got back from Bournemouth which I like a lot and I look around here and think actually this is really quite cosmopolitan. It is better than seeing more charity shops. There are some really nice little coffee shops."

Sue Wateridge, 63, of Ringwood, said: "I think the trouble is what do we put there instead? I have been here since 1983 when the old market used to take place at Frampton yard. But it's gone very posh since I moved here.

"It is better than units being empty. There are a lot of charity shops here but I do a lot of my shopping at charity shops."

Lynn Matthews, 55, was visiting from her home town near Morecambe.

"It is like charity shops - they are everywhere - but I quite like them. I think it is better than seeing empty shops. We have got quite a few by us where I live."