Sir – I am writing to canvass some support for our colleagues in the antiques business.

There is a petition aimed at asking the Government to afford more support to the UK’s antiques trade.

In 2007, the UK’s antiques and art industry generated revenue of £4bn. In 2008, however, there was a significant fall to £2.75bn.

Throughout the country antique dealers have been forced to close their premises as a direct result of high rents and business rate increases and the demise of the trade has a knock-on effect.

The antiques industry creates jobs in tourism, shipping, transport and conservation.

Antiques shops act as a draw to county towns, helping to support other local shops and independent businesses.

On an ecological level, the antiques industry encourages the re-use of old and beautiful things, reducing landfill and new goods consumption.

While other sectors are receiving help from the Government, the antiques industry — which is partly reliant on the housing market — does not.

BBC Antiques Roadshow TV personality and pottery expert Henry Sandon has put his signature and weight behind an appeal.

Your readers are invited to view and sign the petition online at www.antiques.co.uk or they would be welcome to call into Antiques on High at 85 High Street, Oxford, any day (we are open from 10am till 5pm weekdays and Saturdays and 11am to 5pm on Sundays) to pick up a leaflet in store.

Caroline Henney, Antiques on High, Oxford