OUT-of-town business and shopping parks are a bit faceless and lacking in the ‘rooty tooty’ department, but they are very convenient.

Unfortunately, though, by having these specific areas we might be condemning our high streets to death and, with it, the demise of the individual shop and smaller store.

Can it be stopped? It will be very difficult!

Free parking in town centres is certainly a good start; while a review of the way rates are charged on small shops might help — maybe the rates could in some way be related to turnover.

It was Napoleon who said that the English were a nation of shop keepers, but I do like shopping, even when I don’t need anything.

I think that town centres need the smaller shops and, importantly, we must not forget that they are the seed corn of future big stores and businesses.

Thinking long term it would be foolish to close city centre doors to budding entrepreneurs and to the people who want to get a foot on the business ladder.

WHEN you watch your favourite television soaps and programmes the actors and the characters they portray, all become so familiar.

I was at Hogan’s a venue in Hale, Cheshire, where they were holding the launch party for the new business that Denise Welch and Gaynor Morgan were giving, to kick off their new venture, supplying sites, venues, and equipment for television programmes.

Standing there and looking round the room, I felt that I actually knew most of the people, chatting to Sally, Kevin’s wife in Coronation Street felt perfectly natural as I see her in my living room most weeks.

Bette Lynch, and footballer Willie Morgan were other familiar faces so, all-in-all we had a great night.

I’M upset as I have lost or mislaid my Blackburn coat of arms brooch which I always wear with pride.

I have looked everywhere. I last remember seeing it at the YMCA meeting last week and I am hoping it will turn up, but so far no joy.