MADAM, IT is a sad fact of life that many of our local

shops do not receive

the support they deserve. Rules and regulations,

rates, wages and energy, to name but a few costs, must

make small businesses wonder if it is all worth the effort.

As a resident who moved to the Ross area years ago from

a large city, I cannot stress too much just how important

it is to the community to maintain our local shops and

post offices. I have many favourite shops and to select just

one for Jesse Norman's Campaign meant that I felt I was

letting down the others, nevertheless I picked one and

hope that my fellow residents will support all the others

offering excellent service and value for money. I sent my

nomination to Jesse Norman, 49 Broomy Hill, Hereford,

HR4 0LJ. I hope that everyone else will follow suit and that

we don't lose these valuable assets to our communities.

Richard Jackson, Pencoyd