Every week, the Guardian looks at issues affecting our town centres in our Help the High Street campaign.

We asked people using shops in two of Loughton’s main centres why they are worth a visit and what could be improved.

In Loughton High Road, Carol Harman, 42, of Borders Lane, Loughton, said: "I use Morrisons and the Cancer Research shop a lot, as well as the bank. I visit two to three times a week.

"It's east to get to and the parking is alright and a reasonable price.

"I would like to see fewer cafes and food places. There are so many of them.

"I'm glad there are no pound shops."

Dennis Howard, 65, of George Lane, South Woodford, said: "I come here once a week.

"I go to Epping Forest, Morrisons and a coffee shop, the auctioneers and perhaps Superdrug and a card shop.

"You've got more facilities here, so I find it enjoyable. South Woodford doesn't have the forest."

Philip Foster, 39, of Loughton High Road, who shops with his son Sam, said: "I shop here weekly for any small things.

"I live at the top of the high street, so it's close.

"The pavements are terrible down here and businesses' a-boards are irritating when you've got a buggy."

Claire Walker, 45, who lives in The Broadway, Loughton, where she uses the shops daily, said: “You can get anything and everything here.

“Friends of mine did a test to see if they could get their normal weekly shop along here and they could.

“Parking could be improved – it could be free and there could be more of it.

“It’s hard for some of the older people and it’s a pain if you have to pay.”

Shaun Brompton, 45, also of The Broadway, said: “I come nearly every day, for everyday things.

“You can get most things here, but if you wanted to do a proper shop, you’d go to Sainsbury’s.

“I’m surprised some of the shops are still open, because years ago, you used to be able to park down both sides of the road and they’ve changed that.”