The recent news that a U.S. based company is offering a one-off administration charge, annual flat rate subscription fee and no telephone bills for internet use means people may favour using the web to transact business.

The Cornish Times took to the streets of Liskeard to ask: 'Would you consider using internet shopping?'

Karen and Claire Haley share concerns over giving out their card details, as they are worried about how secure the systems are.

Claire said: 'I don't think I would use the internet for shopping as I have heard so many things to put me off.'

A user of the internet, Karen Haley said: 'I would like to shop on the internet, but I am concerned that the card details are not safe enough.'

They both agreed that Internet shopping may cause some 'hassle' when items are bought and when delivered are the wrong size, including clothes or supermarket items.

When asked if he would consider going internet shopping, postman, Trevor Willcocks said: 'I don't see why not. It would have to be cheaper but I have browsed on the internet before for car registrations.'

Currently designing a website for Painters ???? and a mail order system is George Kidd who 'certainly would' use the internet for shopping. He said: 'There are still issues that need to be addressed, such as secure transactions. I wouldn't like paying before the delivery of items. I will eventually use the internet for shopping as it will be more accessible and cheaper.'

Against the idea of using the internet is Margaret James, whose brother does use the internet for shopping but has not considered it herself. Margaret said: 'I am not into computers as such. It is a good idea for anyone who has got a computer and knows how to use it.'

Sharing her opinion is Wendy Julian who doesn't even like computers or the internet in general.

Wendy said: 'Using the internet would be a good idea if you have the finance to go behind it. I can see it being part of every day life soon, the same as satellite and digital equipment. The problem with internet shopping could be that you could get carried away with your credit card and accounts with various companies.' She continued: 'No matter what I will continue shopping the way I always have.'

Mr Andrew Crocker believes that it's probably the best way to shop. He said: 'A possible problem is sending items back when they are the wrong sizes, colours or anything else. With technology advancing and new systems, internet shopping will attract a larger amount of users, which will be another blow for small businesses.'

Regular and successful users of the internet are Nigel and Anita Walker. So far they have bought waterproofs and clothes from America, a holiday to Orlando in June for two weeks, they have researched prices of cars and due to that, managed to get £15,000 taken off a showroom price.

Nigel said: 'The telephone bill is not too bad, but it will soon be free anyhow. We do all our banking through the internet and have never had any problems with security, banking or shopping.'

The general opinion of many people in Liskeard is that technology will take over the traditional ways of doing things, including shopping, which many people welcome. However, not to be discouraged, there are the determined locals who will continue shopping how they always have.