Feels Nailsea just going to be labelled as a 'Charity Town' as I keep seeing more and more charity shops keep opening. I'm one for a bargain and I don't mean to sound bitter. But I also like to buy new and good quality goods too. Why can't we get more of a variety?

I really don't see the problem with charity shops - they are better than empty units. It is possible to find very good quality items for sale and they are a godsend for people who can't afford to buy new.

Even for those that can afford upmarket prices there are good reasons for buying from charity shops. In these days of cutbacks it will become more and more difficult for charities to raise money in other ways. The shops, if well managed, can provide valuable work experience for volunteers, or maybe give someone a reason to leave the house and help them make new friends and become more involved in the community. They prevent usable goods from going into landfill. They provide an ethical alternative to cheap shops that may rely on sweatshop labour... I could go on!

I'm not ashamed to admit that the vast majority of the clothes I wear come from charity shops, and if I didn't tell people I don't suppose they would notice. I like variety when I shop too, so as far as I am concerned the more charity shops the better.