[mobertol]

Read the article on-line and it seems reasonably balanced to me and not a particularly scathing assessment of local businesses. Perhaps Leon could suggest a follow up to the Observer article featuring different places on a weekly basis, what they offer and how they are facing the current recession.
I think it's time for some positive thinking, we're all being drawn into this idea that all is doom and gloom, because that is what we are being "fed" on a daily basis. History has shown that even in the darkest of times people still want some diversion and fun. The simple pleasures in life are what we fall back on. Food, drink and some good company don't have to break the bank and generate a sense of well-being which translates into positive attitudes. That's what is needed to break the back of a recession - we all have to do our bit, that's what "community" is all about.