I FELT I had to reply to the comments of Howard Martin in the Shuttle/Times and News (February 19) regarding Fagins Bookshop.

When asked for comments regarding the closure of my business he informed readers that the real reasons for my shop closing did not include lack of parking but instead were "competition from larger stores and the internet."

He obviously knows the book trade so well - maybe I should have enlisted his services as a business consultant a couple of years ago, I might still have a thriving business!

Firstly, competition from larger stores isn't a recent phenomenon. Worcester, Birmingham, and Merry Hill had large bookstores long before the loss of our car parks, and to my knowledge there isn't a larger bookstore in Kidderminster.

Secondly, it is no secret that the internet has affected all booksellers but only where they have allowed it to.

I have several thriving book websites which have been built up over the last few years - the gains I make from these far outweigh the industry estimated loss (between two and five per cent) to online booksellers.

Lack of parking is an issue, Mr Martin. Your "general consensus in the town" intrigues me. I must have missed the survey of Kidderminster people asking for their views on car parking and the impact of Weavers Wharf on the town centre.

Comments I hear daily from shoppers are very different to yours.

There are many empty shop units throughout the traditional town centre and I fear there will be more. It is good that Weavers Wharf attracts new traders to the town but at what cost to established businesses?

PAUL LAMING

Fagins Bookshop

Kidderminster