I didn't think there were any Middle Class people in Cumbria?

Its quite simple really, the reason people are going to bargain shops is because we are all suffering a shortage of cash, its important to eat and pay the rent etc, and even if the quality of the goods is not always to our satisfaction it does the job.

Cumbrians are a thrifty lot. Old fashioned sock darning is back in fashion. With price rises of new technical socks needle and thread is out for more miles of wear. My sis added once if going to charity shops, go to localities where their is a higher lifestyle. This is in the belief homeowners with million pound homes such as in Lake District purchase quality products first hand and may recycle garments in local shops. On the other hand beware, I recall what a travelling grocer van owner said. The only order he got on one new Carlisle housing estate in the 60's. I slice of ham cut thin! Hopefully values have changed but when seeing queues for reduced food in supermarkets I wonder when food can loose nutrients when not fresh.

Is this REALLY news? People spend less in hard times, who would have thunk it! If you need to fill column inches there is a multitude of unfairness and political befuggery in this fair county to be investigated.