THERE has been more and more talk of Stroud becoming too commercial with its recent developments.

The town is still mainly all about woolly jumpers and spiritual growth, but with chains such as McDonald's, Costa Coffee and Subway, our little hippy town bubble is shrinking rapidly.

I agree we have to move on and can't waft around in silk and hemp garments forever but I also think it's sad that people come to Stroud to see the Cotswold stone and stained glass and they are now faced with big brand names.

But I suppose it is called evolution.

Just as there were once trees and in their place there are now pylons.

As individuals we accept this because we believe we have no influence on the world as a whole.

The majority of those who hate Costa Coffee, where I work, walk by with there heads averted and snarl under their breath.

But I have greater respect for the people who come in and ask why it wasn't a menswear shop or butchers.

These are the people who look for answers and question the things they have issues with.

If more of us were to look for a solution or would act from our own convictions, rather than waiting for someone else to act, who knows - we might be able to prevent wars or even further global warming.