I MUST be one of many people who will be sorry indeed to read that John Mannion’s fruit and vegetable shop in Blake Street is to close (The Press, May 24) and I am relieved that at least he will continue to serve us all from his market stall.

Since moving to York in 1988 and finding John’s stall, we soon became regular customers.

We used this more often than his shop, which was further into York, but that will be a sad loss to customers. He is quite right – convenience stores, Sunday trading and high-cost parking have sounded the death knell to small traders. York, and other cities, are all the worse for this.

John and his wife greeted their customers with a smile and were always friendly and helpful, and their lovely fresh produce was reasonably priced, well displayed and always tasted marvellous.

We will certainly look out for the opening of John’s café in Blake Street and will be two of his first customers.

May I wish John and his wife all the luck in the world with their new venture. With a chef in the family, they should do well.

Heather Causnett, Escrick Park Gardens, Escrick, York.