When high street chain Woolworths went into administration in November, it affected thousands of lives.
After the closure of the Shoreham, Southwick and Lancing stores one reader contacted the Herald to explain how the events had affected him and his wife.
Steven Maltman, of Woodard Road, Lancing, decided to write in after watching his wife, Jayne, cry herself to sleep.
Mrs Maltman had worked in the Lancing Woolworths for 19 years.
Worst"To find out on the news was the worst thing," said Mrs Maltman.
"We always worked hard and enjoyed our job, so it's just wrong the way we were treated.
"It makes you wonder why we went quietly.
"We were finding out more from the customers than the company.
"We just didn't have time to react.
"Now I've got to look for another job.
"That's the hardest thing.
"I haven't had a job interview in 20 years."
EmotionalMrs Maltman said coming out of Woolworths for the last time was an emotional experience.
"We were all crying and wondering what we do now," she said.
"I know people say life goes on but it's hard for the people left behind, especially when you haven't done anything wrong.
"I have had a lovely time with Woolworths with all my friends and colleagues, we are one big family.
"It's just bad the way we've been treated."
Mr Maltman's letter to the Herald about the shop closure follows:"More than just a Pick n' Mix
"Watching my wife's world crumble all around her was not an enjoyable image.
"Just a Woolies girl, part-time for 20 years.
"Balancing being a loyal employee with being a full-time Mum.
"Being a Woolies girl wasn't just a job; it was being part of an institution.
Fat cats"The fat cats and politicians should bow their heads in shame.
"How many of them remember their visits to Woolies after school for being good boys and girls? Short memories.
"The red sign over the doorway represented the red heart of the community, ripped away by a country that no longer cares to look after what is important.
"With the sad loss of Woolies, town high streets will lose their identity, no heart, no town.
Pick 'n' Mix"What a shame the shelves are bare.
"The only items left are a Pick 'n' Mix and 30,000 employees.
"I care.
"Maybe it's time to realise how important words like identity and loyalty are and what they mean.
"Easy definitions – just ask any Woolies girl.
Blame"I know what will be said: 'No one's to blame, it's just one of those things'.
"I say to those who mutter such words: 'Wake up and smell the coffee'.
"Our fat cats and politicians are willing to step in and hold hands with other high-street institutions.
"That would be the banks, for those trying to work it out.
"So I ask, why are they not willing to help Woolies in their darkest hours?
Heart"I close this letter with a thank you.
"Thank you, Woolies, for allowing my wife to have many years of happiness.
"Thank you for allowing her to be part of a team at the heart of the community.
"And, finally, thank you for allowing her to be a Woolies girl.
"So what now, we ask.
"I will dry away my wife's tears and we will carry on living in our little town with no heart, in the hope that one day someone will have the inspiration to open up a chain of shops that sells only three items.
"Identity, loyalty and, by no means least, Pick 'n' Mix."
To see Lancing Woolworths' final day – in pictures click here.To read Lancing residents' reaction to the Woolworths closure click here.-------------------------------------
Click here for more Lancing news.Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.ukWant to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.