KEEPING the customer satisfied is what good shops try to do.

But over the years the way people shop has changed and town centre stores have not always kept pace with what is most convenient for shoppers.

So we welcome the fact that consideration is being given to a major change in shop opening times.

The idea is that some stores will open at 11am instead of 9am, then stay open late into the evening.

These later opening times have proved popular in America and we think the same will apply here.

Having shops open later would stimulate the evening economy and pubs, cafes and restaurants could benefit.

We consider it is a good idea to revise the shopping times. Your opinions are important and we have invited you to write to the BEN. Let us know what you think.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.