YouR readers may be interested in the new "electronic computerised shelf edge ticketing system" (Safeway terminology for price labels) that the Malvern branch of Safeway is currently trialing.

I first became aware of it when I went into its 'wine cellar' and found I couldn't read the price labels without tilting them.

They appear to be 'liquid crystal' devices which are notoriously difficult to read unless well illuminated or back lit, they also have a restricted angle of view. I have a liquid crystal display on my domestic phone and because it is in a rather dark location it is quite hard to see.

I understand the prices can be changed remotely by computer, which is obviously a great attraction to the store but they are not very easy to read unless they are well illuminated; they are also smaller than the customary printed price labels.

About 25 per cent of supermarket customers are over 60 years of age and many older people suffer from some impairment to their vision and will have difficulty in reading this style of price label. Conventional price labels with black letters on a white background are much easier to read.

Safeway say they have have sought advice from the RNIB. Technology should be the servant of man and not vice-versa!

Keith Berry, Nursery Road, Malvern.