I went into Merryfield's today to get a shoe repaired - the cobbler told me Timpson's has cut his trade by half, even minor repairs have had a major impact on business. I was taking in my boots which were leaking- I had gone to Timpson's three weeks ago to get them re-heeled at a cost that ended up being three pounds more than Merryfield, as they cut down my heel to accommodate where I had worn them too far, whereas Merryfield would have built them back up to the original height. Except he wouldn't- because as he pointed out, my Irreparable soles had gone past the point of no return and any repair at all was a waste of money. I'm back to Merryfield's after this, supporting a local business and craftsman.