Social media users on Facebook have backed DIY businessman Peter Valerio's call to continue to shop locally.

In response to Peter Valerio's letter urging people to shop locally, your town centre is the heart of your community. A strong town centre means a strong community. Use it or lose it! People moan about what they used to be able to buy locally, look at it like a game of football-if they don't score goals what's the point? The shopkeepers earn their keep from the profit from sales, they put food on their table and clothes on their backs not just their own families but their employees too. Go down town tomorrow and give your town a health kick by shopping local.

Rona McAllister If I can get what I need in Largs then I buy local. Saves petrol, parking and hassle going out of the town plus better for our local town, local economy and environment. Some things are more expensive but others are just the same as anywhere else. You do have better consumer rights however by buying on-line.

Mandy Brodie