Sir,

Homebase and other DIY stores were the subject of “On the web” on 14th March.

Those were the days when at shops in the city like Underwoods and JC Baker,or Jeanes at St.Johns,one could get advice from knoledgeable salsmen if necessary before puchasing,and most items were in stock.

Sadly today most salespeople in the large stores have little or no knowledge of what they are selling.

The only place left I know from the old brigade is Worthingtons at Northwick.There one can get helpful advice; obtain a few scews if necessary instead of a box full of unwanted ones; and if what one needs is not in stock they usually soon aquire it within a few days.

Phil Pegler (Worcester)