As another of the borough's independent retailers closes its doors, we talked to residents about how much they value their local shops.

FROM FRIDAY: Independent Teddington retailer Teds to close its doors after 25 years

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Kaleem Sim, a Chemistry student at the University of Bath, said: "I just think it looks better to have individual shops.

"I think independent retailers bring something different and you can be surprised and find a real gem.

"I think if independent retailers shut down and big chains do come in, people will really regret it, which is a real shame."

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Sophie Aston, Primary Education student, St Mary’s University, said: "It’s nice to go to little independent places instead of chains because they’re different and individual. With chains everything is the same.

"It’s easier to shop online but I prefer to go into shops to look at things and try things on."

Sandy Davis, who lives nearby, said: "We always try to buy locally.

"If independent retailers are forced out there wouldn’t be such a draw to Teddington.

"Most people, when they come to Teddington, they say how nice the high street is. It’s still fairly gentle in a positive way."

Bernard King, another local, said: "It’s very important that independent retailers stay in the borough. I can’t do all my shopping on the internet. Like being able to feel and see something.

"There are still a lot of dress shops but there’s nowhere I can buy a shirt or tie."

Kenneth Charles, a biomedical engineer, said: "It’s fairly important that independent retailers stay in the borough. If I’m honest, my wife would use them more. I’m more of a person that knows exactly what I’m looking for.

"Before I had kids I used to want to buy things that were more individual, but my priorities have changed."

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Sian Dobson, who works at 1 of 1 in Teddington's High Street, said: "So many independent retailers here and a lot of passion and love and if we all keep doing what we’re doing we’ll be okay We’re doing okay, we keep changing things around and we host a lot of events for the community and local schools.

"We know our customer’s life stories, we know their children’s names, we even know their dog’s names. You can’t get that in the Bentall Centre."

Shelly Sheridan, owner of High Street retailer Heirloom, said: "There’s a waiting list of people trying to get into the properties on the high street.

"To be successful it depends on what you’re selling, how lucky you are and being in the right place at the right time.

"I think it’s massively important to have independent retailers. For Christmas people often have an idea in their head of what they want but they hadn’t been able to see it or touch it. Independent retailers take a lot of the hassle out of shopping, such as worry about delivery. You can just come in and walk out with a product."