Phil Shepherdson considers what will happen when high street shops and banks close down, but offers no real solution (Letters, June 12).

It is the same everywhere, where the only thriving shops appear to be charities.

We have our own cancer charity shop in Dunnington, well supported with goods and sales, making many thousands of pounds throughout the year for York Against Cancer.

Recently, I noticed in Rhyl in Wales most of the shops in the main street were charity - others had been empty for some time, judging by their appearance.

I believe our NatWest bank is closing soon because yet another restaurant is in the process of being applied for.

Where will customers go to bank in York itself?

We never miss the water until it is gone. I cannot hazard a guess as to what the solution is to reverse this trend. If profit is not being made, closure is the only option.

Pamela Frankland,

Dunnington, York