Waitrose, according to its statement of principles, aims "to contribute to the wellbeing of the communities where it operates". But its predatory approach to business in Berkhamsted is threatening the sustainability of a local independent garden centre, of 40 years standing, less than 100 yards from its entrance.

Since 2013 Waitrose has developed and grown a stand-alone garden centre outside its entrance offering a full range of moveable trolleys of bedding plants and fixed horticultural pods. It now poses an existential threat to Woods of Berkhamsted Garden Centre.

On numerous occasions, including meetings, Woods has requested Waitrose to scale back its offering. But those pleas have fallen on deaf ears, with Waitrose showing no willingness to compromise.

Woods is a proud member of the Berkhamsted community through the work it does with schools, charities, theatre groups, encouraging young and old to get involved in creating a beautiful and sustainable environment. However after almost 40 years trading it may soon cease to exist. Apart from significant job losses, it would be very sad for the town to lose another independent retailer.

Please support the call to defend a local independent garden centre against a giant supermarket business.