RECENTLY there have been discussions in the press and media about trade being poor and many businesses closing down. I would like to share some of my recent experiences:

Waiting outside a shop which was supposed to open at 10am only for the owner/person running the shop to open at 10.20am, and only to find they don't stock what I needed and being told to try Exeter.

Going into another shop and waiting for staff to finish their conversation about what happened last night in the pub and then when I said, 'Excuse me', the reply was 'What?'

Waiting outside a shop with a 'back in five minutes' sign, for 20 minutes to pass only to be told, 'Sorry, I got talking.'

Like more and more people living in our town, I work in Exeter but choose to shop in Okehampton and enjoy shopping in the small independent shops.  

Unfortunately, the service in some of these is appalling.  Exceptions are the DIY shop and Kudos where the staff go out of their way to help and retain their customers as a result.

Good service is paramount to good business and there are a few shops which are good at this. Consider the experience your customers receive, after all it is they who are keeping your business alive in these difficult times.

Our petrol stations hold Okehampton to ransom with the fuel in Exeter being 4p or 5p a litre cheaper and upon asking why they cannot give a conclusive answer. The last two weeks Exeter has had fuel at £1.33 whereas Okehampton's fuel is £1.39/£1.40

Come on, Okehampton, we have a great town.  Let's all give a little more to make this a better place.  Good service costs nothing.

Barrie Sharp

Okehampton