IT is so sad to see many top businesses within our high-street go to the wall. Over the past years we have seen an end to C&A, FW Woolworth and Toys R Us.

Over my long lifetime, I have many other top names just suddenly disappear like Timothy Whites, Lyons Tea Houses and whatever happened to Fortes?

The online industry is crippling our once well-known high-street stores simply because they get away without certain taxes that others have to pay which allows them to sell cheaper.

Unless we in UK want to see an end to high-street shopping, certain things ought to be met by both us and our government: the government need to promote shopping by reducing such heavy business rates, make town parking easier and less expensive and we the purchaser approach each retail source with a bit more Middle Eastern attitude by simply bartering the price over any given item. Of course, these stores have to do the same if they wish to survive.

I do not include supermarkets here but their time will come.

It worked for me today at Halfords. I discovered a new (to me) idea of repairing a puncture on my mobility scooter for a lot less than having to purchase a new tyre or inner-tube. Simply by inserting a liquid that not only seals a small puncture but also allows future protection to all tyres. Good for not only mobility scooters but also cycles and cars.

Halfords informed me that if I get other people to try this, they would allow a discount for four wheels done for three. Just ask for Dan.

That is my point: local businesses can do well and survive but we all need to get together and break away from the old price tag and make good deals.

I feel so sure, like Dan, that this would work and keep our high-street shopping going.

CHRISTINE PETERS, Wellington Road, Bournemouth