AS the proprietor of Christchurch Traders pine furniture shop, at I feel it would only be fair to have my say on Thursday’s Daily Echo’s front page story regarding my decision to no longer allow tourists (who live further than 30 miles away) entry to my shop.

In the past three years I have experienced around 300,000 tourists wandering through my shop, with almost no sales. In comparison, I have 30-50 locals visiting my shop each day, resulting in rewarding furniture sales. Many of these local customers have stated that it is often difficult for them to gain access to my 11 furniture showrooms as the rooms are often full of tourists “just browsing”.

As an independent furniture retailer I have to ensure that customers who are actually considering purchasing furniture can gain access to all 11 rooms. At my regular customers’ request, my hand has been forced to reduce the footfall to allow adequate viewing space.

I have nothing against tourists, and with this situation being so controversial I have rethought the strategy to allow tourists entry to my shop if they are willing to make a £1 donation to the local Oakhaven cancer hospice or Barnardo’s, and if they do make a purchase (even a £1 item), I will refund their £1 from my own pocket.

We are a furniture shop and I go out of my way to provide a great service to locals, with free delivery within a 30-mile radius and a permanent 30 per cent discount to all local key workers.

Finally, I would like to point out that, contrary to the Echo’s report, at no time have I been contacted with regard to this matter by either Cllr Nick Geary or Peter Watson-Lee, chairman of Christchurch Chamber of Trade and, hopefully, when they read this letter, they will revise their previous comments.

MARK GALPIN, Christchurch Traders, High Street