Front page news this morning was a plea to save the nation's high streets due to crippling business rates.

I have long held the belief that this is why a lot of big named companies keep away from Bridport.

We are awash with coffee and charity shops, and we only have two/three specialist shops in the town. In my opinion, this is why so many residents resort to internet shopping.

The business rates are no doubt linked to the massive council tax that residents pay.

Granted, we have a state of the art recycling centre, but scarcely any public toilets and parking facilities. This is an historic market town and seaside venue, and is this really the best that we can offer visitors to our town?

Ann Pownall
via email