TRADERS across Enfield told us they face closure because of a combination of soaring business rates and rents, competition from high street chains and the recession. As part of our backing business campaign to support independent traders, reporter Hannah Crown asked shoppers in Enfield how much sympathy they had for small businesses.

Shirley Cotton, 77

"I signed the petition against Sainsbury’s in Chase Side, though I would love to have a Sainsbury’s locally but I care about the independent shops there.

"I go on a lot of coach trips to different places and would say one precinct is the same as another, whereas in Enfield you see many different things."

Adam Dinwoodie, 23

"I’ve just moved here and have noticed the independent shops, as there are quite a few on the High Street in Enfield.

"I’ve been eyeing up the fishmongers and I try to buy flowers from the florist instead of Tesco. The service is better they pay more attention to you.

"I moved here from Oxford and one thing I missed when I first came to London was the boutiques."

Helen Irvine, 30

"I use independent shops where possible because you get quality and difference. Supermarkets offer a lot but its not always what you want."

"It would be sad for jobs, especially for family businesses, if these shops were to close.

Sumi Pranavan, 31

"I have seen so many shops closing down, the Government should do more to help them. Enfield is losing its character and we have to spend more energy and time when things close because we have to travel further."

Victor Hookway, 69

"I’ve heard it is pretty bad out there but there’s nothing I can do to help them. I’m only a pensioner I don’t have money to spend, if you only have a small allowance you have to go with the flow."

"It doesn’t bother me the high street has changed. I use charity shops, you can get some great bargains in there."