I read the letter from Ron Isaacs last week (Save Barnet market now', Times Opinion, June 19) and found myself in total agreement with the need to keep this market open.

My views on the market are not so much based on historical information, but more on the quality of the market's produce and its role in society. In the temporary' move to the car park, the market has lost some good stalls, including a quality butcher who could cut to your requirement and advise on food preparation. This is not the case with some major supermarket stores whose staff just weigh produce and one week they are on the fish counter, the next on the meat counter.

The current market has a more limited range of fruit and vegetables than supermarkets, but the quality is far superior. The vegetables last all week, unlike the supermarket produce which has a short shelf life. There is also a very good fishmonger who carries a variety of fish and is always willing to give advice on how to prepare it.

I am tiring of supermarkets taking more business and forcing the closure of small traders. It is for that reason I support the market. It provides me with excellent produce and I provide it with my business. It would be a very sad place if small community markets like this disappear. I would encourage everybody to give it a visit on a Wednesday or Saturday morning.

Peter Spaul Midholm
Hampstead Garden Suburb