ONCE again Chris Loder has embarrassed himself and dismayed his constituents by claiming at the Tory Party conference that the empty shelves in the supermarkets are an ‘opportunity’ for farmers to sell their milk and other produce in the ‘village shop’.

We live in a rural area where there are some village shops but imagining a scenario where families could rely on them is completely unrealistic.

He clearly has no idea about the lifestyle of families with work and family commitments where food shopping is yet another task to be fitted into a busy week.

Low prices and choice are of the utmost importance to most families, both of which it is very difficult for a village shop to offer.

JULIE FREW

New Zealand Farm Close

Bridport