Stories about people

The rocketing price of fuel is hitting ordinary people and businesses, but trade in some village shops is up, as people make the decision to shop locally, rather than drive to a supermarket.

Ten miles from the city, the South Herefordshire village of Ewyas Harold is a typical example of an area where people really are 'feeling the pinch'.

Benny Krige

Benny Krige runs the village stores there, and it seems he's one of the few that's benefiting.

He's finding the knock on effects of rising fuel costs are proving positive for his business.

He says: "The rise in fuel costs have increased foot-fall by 10% to 15% and customers are spending up to 25% more than they used to."

He puts this down to people no longer being able to afford the journey into Hereford or Abergavenny to shop:

"Even their shopping habits are changing - there's a definite decrease in alcohol and cigarette sales, and more being spent on fruit and veg."

• Footfall is up by 10% - 15%.
• Sales of alcohol and cigerettes are falling.
• More fruit and vegetables are being bought.
• People are watching their pennies more and not buying luxury items.