I was sorry to read in last Friday’s paper about the difficulties that shopkeepers in High Street, Rickmansworth are experiencing (We are losing the diversity of our high street, February 1). Local businesses report struggling, with reduced footfall from customers. The shopkeepers note that changes to parking meters have left shoppers feeling stressed and confused.

I’m grateful to live near the amazing Queens Road Broadway with buzzing new businesses like the D20 board game café, as well as everything you need to get all your errands done.

Independent businesses bring so much individuality and character to the area, and we must be sure to support them. I worry that the new intu doors approved by the council will have a negative impact on footfall in the Queens Road area too – as shoppers will now be more likely to stay in the intu centre, rather than visiting our local shops as well. We will all need to make a concerted effort, as ever, to shop local and support our independent retailers.

Emma Kosmin

Loates Lane, Watford