IN response to Mrs Oatess letter (February 14 edition), I have lived in the Epping area all my life (37 years) and also miss the retailers referred to. However, times change and the High Street has fierce competition from supermarkets, out-of-town shopping centres and the internet, where commodity products can be bought cheaply and easily, meaning that less people shop locally.

In addition, owing to market forces, High Street rent and rates have risen significantly over the years. So many retailers have been forced to close.

In this regard, Epping High Street is no different to high streets up and down the country which all face similar challenges.

However, despite these major challenges, Epping is fortunate to boast a high street where you can find most things you could want to buy.

Apart from a range of well-known high street names, I'm surprised that during Mrs Oates's "15 minutes survey of Epping High Street" she failed to notice the a wide range of independent and specialist shops that most other high streets would be proud of. So please, lets stop knocking Epping High Street and instead start supporting our local shops.

Alan Warner, Amesbury Road, Epping.