I HAVE been shopping in Shirley, Southampton, for 60 years and always enjoyed pushing my three babies in their prams from Millbrook.

There was always a good choice of shops to buy everything you need – food, clothes and wares.

It has changed dramatically over the last 20 years and I accept that shop rates have risen for small outlets unable to stay open. More closed shops than I can say have turned into charity shops.

This is all due to the economy, which changes all the time.

One of the biggest problems I feel is the riding of bikes on the “two wide” pavements.

Cyclists weave in and out of women with prams, disabled folk and I myself, as many, use a walking stick because of disability.

I am forever calling for them to get off the pavement.

They hear me and either say nothing or put fingers up and say “F” off.

Although it is against the law to ride bikes on pavements and Shirley Precinct, they continue to do it and mouth it by swearing.

Three days ago, as I came out of the 99p shop, I was nearly knocked over by a girl and a boy on their bikes; they looked about 13 years old.

When I asked them to get off the pavement I was subjected to a tirade of abuse. Not just “F” off, but “What’s it got to do with you old lady?” and “It’s none of your business”.

I said I would call a policeman and the boy said: “There ain’t none anymore” and he was right.

There is no deterrent anymore for kids breaking the law, or adults, for many of these ride on the pavements, break into homes and assault people.

If caught they get a measly fine or a slap on the wrist.

Almost opposite to where this happened is the now closed Shirley Police Station.

There are no policemen walking along this long High Street and it is a disgrace.

What is this Government up to, closing police stations and sacking walking policemen?

All this when assault, crime, burglary and murder are on the increase.

MRS. PAMELA HUMPHREY, Southampton.