IT WAS interesting to read about the shopkeeper at Duke Bar, Burnley, who wanted a bus shelter removed, fearing that its presence outside his shop could have an adverse effect on his trade.

Almost 50 years ago my parents kept "top shop," a corner shop at Sough, near Earby.

Outside the shop was a bus stop which my father fought tooth and nail to retain because when people were waiting for the bus there was always the chance of inducing them to enter the shop and spend their money.

He was like the Ronnie Barker character of Arkwright in Open All Hours before the television series was thought of.

How times change.

ROGER SIDDALL, Walton Lane, Nelson.