Since 1959 I have owned a greengrocery business in Princess Street, but over the years it has been necessary to diversify into an ever-increasing home-prepared food business.

Initially this was obviously due to competition from supermarkets, out of town developments and Sunday markets which have all hit the small town trader.

My mother, sister-in-law and myself, along with loyal staff over the years have built up a successful business with many loyal customers.

At present we are finding great difficulty staffing our shop and kitchen to our satisfaction.

Now reaching retiring age, as my husband did a number of years ago, it may be necessary to sell the business/property.

Will we find the same problems as Vivi has encountered?

Our business premises has been a retail outlet for over 60 years and I would like it to remain that way.

But if no buyers come forward surely this 'clause by the councillors' should be removed to allow people like ourselves to sell our own property to any buyer.

I am sure that it is far better to have occupied premises than empty units that no one wants.

SHEILA ELSTONE

Princess Street

Knutsford

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.