Living in the city centre is actually quite weird. You're never quite sure what is your 'local', or who the local people actually are. In a village, it's quite easy to spot who is a regular and who is a visitor from somewhere else. I like the feel of a community, especially in a smaller place, yet Winchester seems to have a nice mix too, so not all is too bad.

My local pub could be Alfie's, The Willow Tree, Blonde Beer Cafe...the list goes on, but the local newsagent is most definitely Winchester News on St George's Street as you go up through the one way system. Most people who visit it regularly know it simply as 'Toms' after the owner, Tom Romita, who really is a brilliant character in the city.

Unlike most regular newsagents, it's filled with cakes, italian panettone, freshly cooked pasta's and the nicest coffee in town. You'll always get served with a smile and a cheeky comment from Tom, and it really makes you feel part of the local community.

I've visited a number of times when I've had the wrong change, and Tom has always let me off a few pence, which I've diligently paid the next day, however much he protests. He also protests a lot when I bring in a takeaway cup of coffee from a high street chain, taking the mickey out of me and explaining he has got the best coffee in town. Funny enough, he does have!!!

Yet it seems he is the one who is suffering financially. There is now a petition online at www.savetoms.com, to help save this little Winchester institution. Tom says that the proposed Council business tax hikes could force him out of business, which would be an incredible shame. So, I suggest going in there, or going to the website online, and showing your support for a family and business that would otherwise be sadly missed.

I'm a big fan of supporting local businesses, and do my best to use all the local stores as much as possible. Everyone who lives in Winchester does love the character of their city, and if they don't support the local retailers who make it, we'll just end up with another identical city. So help Save Toms!