RE: The story in last week's Free Press about the closure of Phil Bowditch fishmongers.

THE demise of Phil Bowditch's (Mike Robson's) fishmonger is sad indeed, even if scarcely a surprise.

Over the years, Bowditch's has proved that people will gladly pay for quality over the cheaper but pretty mediocre supermarket offerings.

Mike's fish, both fresh and home-smoked, leaves all but a few of the finest in the country well in his wake. His meat is also far better than most, much of its sourced within a reasonable radius of the town.

Had the shop been in a secondary rather than a prime high street location, Comland (the landlords) may not have been so eager to determine the lease. How Comland achieved this and obtained its planning permission with so few local ripples is the subject of considerable and interesting rumour. That is as may be, but it seems certain that come December 1, unless the council decides to re-investigate, Marlow will be bereft of its fishmonger and butcher, joining the list of the other departed or departing - the baker, hardware store, delicatessen, greengrocer and even the post office.

Perhaps more importantly, and certainly more constructively, what is the council prepared or able to do about the ongoing destruction of our high street?

Mike Robson has told me that he would like to continue to supply his top quality produce in Marlow. Subject to council permission, he would propose siting a 20/30' fully-fitted trailer in the market place cum car park on the corner of Dean Street.

There is already a regular flower and vegetable stall on this site. Can the council be persuaded to relocate the small monthly Farmers' Market from the tiny and inadequate location on The Causeway? Will the council to encourage other quality producers or other suppliers to set up stall there throughout the week as a regular market and alternative to the supermarkets? If so, then just perhaps Marlow can emulate the growing band of small towns who will not allow their local produce traders to be railroaded out of existence, to the detriment of all.

PS Mike Robson tells me that he is seeking suitable and reasonably local premises for his cold storage and general preparation. No doubt any offers or suggestions would be gratefully received.

Richard Goldstein Marlow