Jackie Coombes, 54, a retail worker from Christchurch, said: "There are too many coffee shops. We've become a tourist attraction rather than a liveable town."

James Catespy, 44, a full-time carer from Christchurch, said: "There's not a massive selection. Half of them are empty. We could do with some bigger brands!"

Jean Daffin, 71, a retired receptionist from Bournemouth, said: "There's too many coffee shops, but I think they've got it about right. More shoe shops and clothes shop are needed though!"

Thomas Daffin, 77, a retired project supervisor from Bournemouth, said: "I think there should be some small electrical shops, there's none in Christchurch, the nearest are in Bournemouth."

John Masson, 83, a retired electrical engineer from Bournemouth, said: "They are good. We like coming here to shop. Book shops are what we come here for."

Jo Masson, 72, a retired draughtswoman from Bournemouth, said: "We just like the atmosphere in Christchurch, we have coffee and lunch and there's a nice selection of shops."

Ronald Sanell, 88, a retired BBC engineer from Christchurch, said: "I've lived here for some years and they are adequate. There are loads of supermarkets just outside the town. We are often looking for clothes shops as there are only one or two here."

Karen Rochester, 59, a foot health professional from Christchurch, said: "I want a reasonably priced food shop. It's nice to have Marks and Spencers, you have Waitrose too, but that's not in the centre!"

Brenda Barnes, 75, a retired nursery assistant from Christchurch, said: "I think you could have a proper supermarket, one decent one. The one here is very expensive! It would be nice to have a cheaper one."