I AM admittedly not very good with technology and am nervous about buying anything online. But I confess that whenever I have done so, it has worked remarkably well.

Internet shopping is, in fact, so efficient – and cheap – nowadays that I am begining to wonder why we need shops and shopping centres after all.

Yes, the town centres – particularly High Wycombe’s – are packed which is great news for traders and long may it continue. But many of the big chains do themselves no favours in the long run because even a fuddy duddy like me is finding it easier to access stuff online.

For instance, earlier this year I wanted to buy a football shirt for a young relative’s birthday. None of the shops in High Wycombe or indeed the area stocked this Premier League team’s particular piece of kit and I was about to give up. But then I tried the internet and lo and behold, it was as easy as pie. The shirt arrived in pristine condition one working day later.

Similarly, I am now beginning to do my grocery shopping online and it’s far easier. You spend less time and avoid the need to drive and park.

This year, I plan to do the bulk of my Yuletide shopping on the net. That’s not because I don’t want to go into town; it’s because I know I’ll find the stuff I need more easily.

I hate to say this, but the terrestrial shops need to up their game in the next few years to compete with this and give people a reason to leave their homes.

I do hope they do, otherwise we could soon witness the sudden demise or death of many a traditional town centre.