Sir, - I was saddened to read the letter from Andrea Rawling (D&S, Sept 26) criticising the shops/businesses in Richmond.

We live in tough times and all our market towns in Richmondshire: Richmond, Leyburn and Hawes, should be congratulated for not only maintaining a vibrancy, but also for the individuality they all provide.

Travelling to many towns/cities over the years, the one thing that strikes me is that every one of them looks identical. The same brands on every high street, whereas our small towns provide something entirely different and that, in my opinion should be celebrated instead of berated.

Criticising individuals for supporting their towns is wrong. Thank goodness there are still people who have pride and an active interest in their surroundings.

Supermarket home deliveries and internet shopping where the buyer doesn’t even leave their armchair is the demise of so many independent shops. Perhaps if those who criticise actually look a little deeper at our small towns they would see exactly what is on offer – a sense of community and a common goal to see our towns thrive.

CLLR JILL MCMULLON

Middleton Tyas.