Noticed in press that a restaurant etc has been agreed within msn. So Brains merger with Coffee#1 can see a proper Coffee store in the town. Also their link with Costa Coffee can also bring another link into the town which must be good news.
Our will the chamber be again totally selective who they want to see in the town. Smiler and restrictive practices.

All good stuff, however, most people would argue - don't you need a reason to come to the High Street, like to do some shopping in the first place, then perhaps have a nice coffee, preferably in Jacarandas or somewhere you can support a local business, rather than a chain?

For example, I don't make a point of going to Wells because they've got a nice Starbucks ..... I go because I can nip into Waterstones and buy a book or have a browse around the market, then, I'll stop and have lunch somewhere. I make a concious decision to avoid the chain stores preferring where I can to giv my money to locally run establishments.

The point I'm making is that we need shops that are offerring us something new, something different, something unique, where possible, encouraging local business where we know our money has a better chance of staying within the local community. By all means let's attract chainstores too, but not if we are already well served by similar shops ....

Totally agree with you LucyE...And just what are the residents of MsN looking to buy? Recently I was shopping for demi-johns and corks...that had to be bought on line...well the corks had to be ...I managed to source the demi-johns at a charity shop. I also needed a light-weight cotton sweater...again checked the charity shops..there were some that would do...but again were for someone 20 years older by Damart....so now looking at going to Bath for a light-weight sweater. Husband is looking for the same, but there's nothing except charity shops that cater to men... I love this town and shopping locally but we are limited. Any chance we can get a shop that caters for all ( I know Co-op in Radstock appeals to this crowd but it would be great to have something in MsN town centre. ) I'm all for good coffee shops and places to eat, but as you say LucyE we have to bring them in.

We also have the problem of Tesco which sells everything, if you are a shopper there, there's no need to come in to the town as you can buy whatever you need.

A problem indeed as the big out of town superstores are putting the town shops out of business Just as the supermarkets selling all that alcohol at cut prices put paid to the off licence. if there was some control as to what shops could sell things might get better. The answer is of course don't go to Tesco! and support your local town.

Went to Tesco in Shepton today and felt like running away. It is great you can get everything under one roof, but it lacks the personal touch so many independent shops offer. Have tried the shops you suggested, I guess I'm getting a bit choosy over what I buy now with money being tight.