MARY Portas has been asked by the government to look into how small shops can be helped.

I think the big problem is business rates. These are too high and deter people from starting a business or continuing to trade.

These should be lowered for small shops – with a consequent increase for the large multiples to compensate.

I would also like to see some form of protection for local traders from the colonisation of local shopping areas by the multiples.

I am on the NEC of the Liberal Party and would be interested to know what local shops think the problems are and how best they might be helped.

BILL BRANDWOOD, Bournemouth Liberal Party, Markham Road, Bournemouth