Prescribing a boycott of self-service tills in super-markets (Margo, February 15) is Luddite and will not assist the shopper or store.

Where I do agree is the general state of retail in Blackburn which appears to have taken a recessive restructuring.

Small traders have been cornered and the whole infrastructure slowly dismantled in favour of the multi-chains.

Blackburn Market, once proud, now just a shell, will no doubt make room for a superstore.

To add to the misery, shopping in Preston seems to be pushed on everybody.

The success of a shopping experience has to be the ease and convenience of all factors. Preston shopping malls are always over-crowded and parking and access are horrendous.

I cannot see myself casually going there to be tortured.

Blackburn town centre is second to none and we will continue going there until the last, if it comes to that.

N Momoniat (Mr) (via email).