BALHAM SHOPS - SMALL & LOCAL V NATIONAL CHAIN STORES. There is much talk locally in Balham of shops closing and those that open don't stay here long. Is Balham the right place for local, small retail business or do you think we could do with big name brand shops?

I personally, like to think of Balham as more of a village and welcome the smaller, quirkier type shops. After all you can always go elsewhere to get your M&S, Waterstones, John Lewis fix, can't you?

Plenty of chat on twitter on the subject of local v national shops in Balham. Here's what some Balhamites are saying:

"Estate agents galore but nothing to bring new trade to balham I'm hoping a John lewis, allders, debenhams or another store comes to balham."

"Agree on a m&s food but it won't happen. It seems that balham is being left behind when it comes to big name shops."

"would much prefer a really good Fishmongers,or perhaps a Wasabi as Bento is below par.#fish"

What do you think? Leave your comments below ...