In response to Stuart Bower and John Trenchard (Letters, January 26), my letter concerning Andrew Burtenshaw's takings (or lack of them) was in no way meant to be a personal attack.

It was simply an observation - if he is lucky enough to be taking up to £500 a day then he is luckier than most.

As a member of a family which has several small independent shops, I am well aware of the costs, overheads and extra time involved in running a small business.

I would suggest Mr Trenchard investigate further if he is under the impression that Mr Burtenshaw must be losing up to £450 a day in overheads for what is not even a shop - just a stall.

Perhaps he is under a different taxation system from the rest of us?

-Rachel Harris, Portslade