At the risk of upsetting A Kneebone further, I noted some time ago that research carried out by the South West Liberal Democrat team in Parliament (headed by Matthew Taylor M.P.) in 1996, showed that, in October of that year, despite falling unemployment nationally, the towns of Liskeard, Bodmin and Bude, all appendaged with superstores, had shown a rise in unemployment.

There are at least 30 branches of major supermarkets in Cornwall quite apart from the Boots, the Threshers and the Alldays etc., who all drain the county of money - no wonder unemployment is especially high here where there was already a weak economy to begin with.

As 'proper locally owned shops' go to the wall, the pasties and gifts move in which, obviously, only open during the summer season.

If one wants a vibrant town off-season then one should take particular care in supporting locally owned businesses. Local shops also have a duty to ensure they, in turn, buy locally grown or produced merchandise.

Contrary to what A Kneebone says, the phenomenon is 'everything' to do with supermarkets and chain stores who in addition to taking our money also take that of the tourist.

CHRIS TAMBLIN

Looe