PORTISHEAD High Street traders: I read your report in the October 15 issue of The Times with some concern. Do High Street traders really have this message for the people of the town: Use us or lose us ? Apart from stating the obvious i.e. shops with insu

PORTISHEAD High Street traders: I read your report in the October 15 issue of The Times with some concern.

Do High Street traders really have this message for the people of the town: "Use us or lose us"? Apart from stating the obvious i.e. shops with insufficient customers would close, what was the point of the story?

The Times obtained quotes from three established retailers. None complained of a lack of customers, none is on the point of closing.

It is true that the Marina complex has produced many more residents, but does anyone really think they chose to live on Port Marine because of the village shopping facilities? Of course not.

The reason Portishead High Street has flourished for the last 100 years (90 of them without Port Marine) is because it met the demands of the residents and its existence proves it still does.

As a recent retailer in the town and having a connection with several retailers I can tell you that in truth businesses are actually growing - yes, despite the recession!

If you think there's a shortage of shoppers in the town, have a look at the market on a Friday, better still, look at Costa Coffee any day of the week.

Consider also all those who have recently invested in the High Street: Hub; Gosh; Zebra; Bennetts Barbers; Nails Etc.; Portishead Podiatrist; Laura's Hair; Costa Coffee, and Watkins and Tasker Vets.

Consider those planning to invest: McKays with three new retail floors; Fowlers with three new retail shops and five commercial units; the businesses planning to occupy the former Humberts offices and the former off licence.

Can all these 15 businesses be wrong?

I know bad news sells newspapers but sometimes the truth is better news.

MARTIN SMART - Property Management, Hillside Road, Portishead