Great local businesses

WHEN our 18-month old television broke down, a large local retailer fobbed us off saying it was 'out of guarantee'. The manager was always too busy or away, and the usual pitch was used to try to sell us a new TV. So we gave up and went to Drays in Western Road. What a difference: nothing but attention to what we wanted and useful assistance, plus a price that matched the superstore but with a five-year guarantee and installation. We then spent ages on the internet trying to arrange a holiday of a lifetime to Australia to see long-lost relatives, only to encounter 'buy now, sign up to and pay now' entreaties from companies we did not know. Then we went to Dreamtime, the travel agent in Western Road, and after just one visit what we wanted had been sorted out and the flights arranged. On a second visit Dreamtime sorted out all the hotels, tours and sightseeing. We had the most wonderful holiday and could not have done it without the help and advice the travel agent gave us. It just goes to show that using local businesses in Bexhill can be a far, far better option than using big, out-of-town companies to buy and arrange what you want. Nothing can beat sitting down with a person who will be there throughout your purchasing and, more important, also be there if there are any problems. Well done local services.