NO longer are we a nation of shopkeepers, but a nation held to ransom by the Supermarket Syndrome. Even Tony Blair admitted that supermarkets have the farmers in an arm-lock.

We cannot blame the farmers for the foot and mouth crisis and it would be equally silly to blame the consumers for wanting cheaper meat, petrol, etc.

The supermarkets are the reason that farming and its practices have been changed so drastically.

Why has this mess been created? Largely due to the huge centralised organisations who only wish to deal with large producers. Small businesses have been blasted off the face of Britain. Supermarkets have no loyalty to British companies or to consumers and governments and councils need to intervene to stop these giant monopolies running rampant.

As for us, the consumers, the time has come to give the supermarkets a rest and patronise small businesses. Stop Tesco expanding in Prestwich, and petition for a good sensible replacement for Sainsbury's, who have turned their backs on our area and their loyal public.

I say boycott your local supermarket until they show more concern for your area.

MEL KERSH,

Prestwich Business Forum.