Countless people have received support from The Community Shop in Borehamwood.

Anyone who needs a bit of extra support in life is covered - from pensioners who need help in claiming benefits, to youngsters who are members of The Vibe youth club, and teenage mothers benefiting from a support group.

That's why the demise of the shop is a major blow for the town. The site may well stay open for community use. But without the dedicated, knowledgeable staff to run projects and give advice every day, its use will be limited, at best.

The £2.7million that paid for it for most of its life was given to the town nine years ago precisely because there are people desperately in need of this kind of service. That need has not disappeared. Politicians, whether at Government or local authority level, should recognise the good work that's being done, and commit to save it.