Elizabeth Bruce, 68, originally from Liverpool, who was visiting Hampstead: It is a good thing to support local shops. The shops down South End Green are good and it s good to support them, otherwise it takes away the character of the area, which is what

Elizabeth Bruce, 68, originally from Liverpool, who was visiting Hampstead: "It is a good thing to support local shops. The shops down South End Green are good and it's good to support them, otherwise it takes away the character of the area, which is what people come to Hampstead for. I prefer the little shops to the invasion of the Tesco round the corner."

Loze Benjamin, 29, a manager from Hampstead: "If everyone goes to a supermarket for wine or food, all our local shops would disappear. We live in a world where supermarkets are everywhere. It's important for Hampstead, which has a small village feel, with lots of local independent shops. If they go, then the character of the town or village would disappear."

Jemain Browne, 21, a student from north London: "It's important that local shops get a chance. Independent shops are good. In places like St John's Wood there are independent designer shops which are just as good as Selfridges for buying designer clothes."

Roger Rechia, 41, a carer from Hampstead: "Yes of course it is important to have local shops. It is important to have a good mix. With local shops you can have a relationship."

Dean Saitter, 54, a university professor from Hampstead: "Absolutely, it helps if you favour citizens who reside in the area. This is opposed to what they call 'big brand stores' in the States."

Robin Sagoo, 33, a manager from Hampstead: "Yeah it's about survival really, and people should definitely support local independent shops. Absolutely, it's good for everyone."

Klara Bobkova, 29, a nanny from Hampstead: "Yes, definitely. I think it's quite important to be local and to support your own, for the good of the whole community as well."

Amy Patel, 28, an optician from Hampstead: "We're here to provide a personal service and I hope people would choose us before going into central London.