THE story appeared in the Courier on Friday, July 4, Issue 988. The "Courier" revealed that plans are being made to enlist the help of Mary Portas, "Queen of Shops" to help rejuvenate independent businesses and shops in Crediton High Street. The show's producers are currently looking for independent retailers in the Crediton area who might need her "unique insight, ideas and expertise on the customer experience." Demitri Coryton, co-chair, Crediton Chamber of Commerce, made a number of comments in the story and stressed that the Channel 4 programme is purely for entertainment purposes. The Chamber of Commerce has offered help with media training for television, to any shop owners who want to take part. Do you think Crediton's independent retailers need the help of Mary Portas? Please let me know what you think. Contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton or email [email protected]">[email protected]. Readers are also invited to take part in the poll on the Courier website http://www.creditoncouriernewspaper.co.uk">www.creditoncouriernewspaper.co.uk.

What you told us ..........

It would not be nice for any one business to be picked on because we are such a small community – like a big family. Rather than pick on a certain business it would be better for Mary Portas to come to Crediton and inject some money into town as a whole. Susan Tucker of Susan's florist

We tried to make contact with Mary Portas by email a week or so ago and got an "out of office" reply. We were interested in what was involved. A fresh pair of eyes on a business could be a good thing. David Oliver and staff at Oliver's bakery.

I followed it up because I was interested in finding out what they could offer. I spoke to a young man on the telephone who explained that they wanted to focus on customer service and asked if I'd had any complaints. I explained to him that we are a small community in Crediton and things don't work like that. He did not give me very much information but suggested that I send Mary Portas an email explaining how I think she can help. Carli Laskey, Bonheur Boutique

Mary Portas has been to other places like Liskeard, which I know well. But I have not seen any difference in Liskeard since the programme. We already have a lot of independent shops in Crediton which are doing very nicely. Sandy Sambles, Crediton resident.

Online Poll

We asked our readers: Do you think Crediton Hospital should retain its overnight beds? At the time of going to press the results showed:

Yes 100% No 0%