Tesco in Looe at what cost?

I feel that I must put pen to paper concerning the proposed Tesco development in Looe.

I am Chairman of Planning at Brackley Town Council in Northamptonshire, a market town with a population of approximately 10,000.

We had, at one time, only a Co-op in the centre of town so the argument for competition cropped up time and time again. Tesco were granted permission with the promise of jobs and cheaper prices.

Six years on, I can tell you that the prices have gone up considerably. True, there is part-time and full-time employment, but at what cost?

Unfortunately, they bake bread, have cash dispensers, a fish counter, a small cafeteria, develop films, sell telephones and holidays abroad; rumour has it that dry cleaning and a dispensing chemist are on the way.

There is no let-up to what they will sell. Small shops are forced to the wall. Tesco attracts customers from a 20 mile radius who only shop there and go home. The town centre gains very little from them. They take everything from the community and give very little back. They even refused to let the Army cadets collect money for their Flag Day.

I myself was in favour of their application but, with hindsight, would not support it. Don't be fooled with the derelict site argument, any other development there would tidy the site equally as well.

I sincerely hope the Harbour Commission are interested in the site. Long term, I am sure it would benefit Looe and its residents.

JIM BROOMFIELD

West Looe