DOES Elaine Mayhew (No Shops To Struggle, Letters, February 25) seriously think that McDonalds, BHS and Debenhams would improve the quality of shopping in Ely? I think it is she who needs to get with the times. Most people who choose to live in Ely do so

DOES Elaine Mayhew (No Shops To Struggle, Letters, February 25) seriously think that McDonalds, BHS and Debenhams would improve the quality of shopping in Ely? I think it is she who needs to get with the times. Most people who choose to live in Ely do so because it retains so much of its small market town atmosphere. If she desires the multiple shopping experience I would suggest she moves to a clone town like Peterborough or Cambridge where everything she desires may be found in the Grafton Centre. I know many people who come to Ely to shop because it is different. We are lucky to have many small quality shops, Edis the butcher, Toppings Bookshop, considered by many to be the best bookshop in the country, Cherry Hill Chocolates, Peacocks Tearooms, and the Old Fire Engine House Restaurant. We also have the best of the supermarkets, Waitrose, and two splendid markets, in particular, the Farmers Market. I will not deny that we could do with other shops, an imaginative bakers, a deli/cheeseshop and a wine shop, but let us aim towards the up escalator-- we know to where the down one leads!

ROGER REDFARN

Cardinals Way

Ely