I haven't got any particularly strong feelings one way or the other on this but from the couple of times I went into M&Co, my recollection is that it was a pretty big unit so it's always going to be a unit that will attract the chains rather than the smaller independents.

The unit that now houses Canvas & Cream (who clearly did their homework before going in) went through several unsuccessful independent restaurant incarnations before C&C arrived and turned it into a success.

I'm sure an independent outfit of some description could survive but it needs to be really well thought out. I am equally ambivalent about the notion that every shop on the high streeet should be an independent - why? It is perfectly possible for both to co-exist. I don't want an Identikit high street anymore than anyone else but this idea that "national/multi-mational bad, independent good" is completely flawed. You need both for a high street to thrive.

Maybe a Morrisons will force the little shops to up their games...