It’s not been the easiest time for local businesses but I’ve recently had a run of excellent service at Oxford shops.

I needed a small part to fix a bath plug and the staff at Headington Homewares provided the precise thing for 20p. A few doors down I took my bike to the chap at Recycled Cycles who repaired my basket bracket on the spot, even trying to refuse payment.

To sort an urgent problem with a broken shower door fixing, I then went to Homebase down the Horspath Driftway.

There the assistant went out of his way to find me exactly what I needed.

I had also been hunting for tapestry wool, but at Broad Canvas art supplies shop in Broad Street, a lady helped me match the colours and it was very affordable too.

Finally, laden down with fruit and veg from Gloucester Green, I absent-mindedly left my handbag behind in the restored furniture/free book shop. When I ran back, the man minding the shop calmly handed it back to me intact.

I’m grateful, impressed, and inspired to look locally for the things I need.

Susan Cuthbert, Staunton Road, Oxford