SHOPS in Chipping Sodbury desperately need more customers and have warned of closure if they do not get them.

It is not disputed that visiting the nearest supermarket is far faster and more convenient for today's increasingly busy society of business people and parents, constantly fighting the clock to get everything done in a day.

However, speed and convenience are not the only benefits of shopping. Browsing along Chipping Sodbury's High Street can be an extremely pleasant experience, providing a relaxing chance to meet members of the community and find out what is going on in the immediate area.

With the number of specialist shops in the town, there is also the chance to pick up a number of items supermarkets simply do not stock.

If people are not even aware that some services and shops even exist, now is the time to take to the streets and explore.

Chipping Sodbury's treasures cannot stay hidden. If they are to remain, the community must rally together and start using the shops that make the town what it is.

Businesses support a huge variety of groups and projects around the town. Now the people of Chipping Sodbury, and visitors, must show their thanks and get shopping - before it is too late.