I WISH people like Verity Tingle would think before they speak out about the lack of "good" shops in Halifax ("We don't need these cheap shops", Your say, June 14).

I don't expect she had even been in the store because if she had she would have seen that Home Bargains sold quality brand-name goods at a discount price.

It was brilliant for cleaning products and toiletries and also carried a good selection of wines and beers.

I for one will miss it as I won't have time to go up to the Pellon Lane store in my lunch break.

In addition Ms Tingle insists that we have poor shopping that causes her to need to visit other towns. We have many good high street names: River Island, Next, Top Shop, JJB Sports etc.

Harveys is a brilliant and unique department store and has franchises of Wallis, Principles and Minuet.

We have a range of good places to eat and drink, good delis, bakers and the Borough Market with its butchers, greengrocers and fishmongers, florists and hardware stalls which sell a range of goods to suit anyone.

The need to knock Halifax just because we have a number of bargain shops as well amazes me.

Ms Tingle doesn't seem to appreciate that for many the bargain shops are needed.

I say each to their own and if you don't like them don't use them.

I for one never feel the need or inclination to go out of Halifax to shop more than once or twice a year. I can get almost everything I want or need right here.

Linda Walsh