There seems to be an opinion forming that the death of the high street is the shoppers fault and the shopper's responsibility.

And although I think shops closing down is sad, I would politely disagree.

I like looking around the little jewellery and gift shops in the beautiful Reindeer Court when I have a friend's birthday coming up. It would be a real shame if we lost those. I loved the independent record shop Rise that used to be in Crowngate Shopping Centre, and I was sad when it closed last year. Therefore I do think it is nice to support these shops and if they provide something different, friendly and modern, I would hope they could survive.

But I don't think I should feel guilty for buying things online when they are cheaper, or for getting most things from a supermarket.

You shouldn't feel bad for 'supporting' a corporation as if it is somehow unethical. It's not our fault when certain items are better value and no-one is obliged to 'support' the high street as if it is a charity, or one entity.

While I have a degree of emotion towards certain independent shops, I don't think we can be expected to have the same feelings towards high street brands. They take a risk when they open stores and it's their choice.

And where does it end?

Are we going to be guilt tripped when we go to a Wetherspoons and not a traditional pub, or a Costa and not an indie cafe? If we have to support everything we are going to be struggling to say the least.

It is always the council's fault or the shoppers fault, but what about the brand? They need to have a niche in this modern diluted market and they need to be accommodating to the the customers needs. They need to have a shop window with an up to date look. Can you really say that about Hawkin's Bazaar?

Stores need a decent marketing team on their facebook page to reach out to the audience.

Worcester is a great city and we are lucky to live in such a culturally rich area. But there is no benefit in putting the blame of a high street's decline in the people who shops should be identifying with, not alienating.