Isn't the Mayoress of Looe not only lucky to own a car (many unemployed, especially long-term, people cannot even afford one) but also be able to afford to drive the 20 miles to Liskeard for a flan case (Report, page 7 Cornish Times 17.9.99) costing only pence - although they are available in a locally owned business in Looe?

I find it unbelievable that this particular product can take precedence over the economic welfare of the town.

It is common knowledge that, far from creating proper jobs, supermarkets replace them with 'mickey mouse' ones or welfare cheques. Supermarket spokesmen telling us that, 'competition is a good thing, if it can bring down prices for their customer then that can only benefit them', neglect to say that, 'because they bankrupt so many other businesses and put their employees out of work, supermarket customers have to pay more direct and indirect taxation to foot the resultant welfare bill'. Which, of course, is anything but beneficial - it is both perverse and dishonest.

However, I suspect Safeway (Liskeard) takes about £100,000 out of the county every week, an amount that could give 300 local people jobs worth £300 per week each!

And that is just Safeway! Somerfield, Boots, Threshers and Alldays in Looe are also probably responsible for the loss of a further 100 jobs, or so, at a time when between 200 and 300 people 'sign on' here.

Boycotting national chain stores, in particularly - vulnerable Cornwall, would ensure local businesses, new and old, re-emerging and thriving once again - unemployment would fall dramatically.

Tourism is now our only income so priority should be given to 'tourist appeal' projects for Looe and not the building of a supermarket or houses on the Polean Site. For example, a couple of merchant schooners (and related activities) floating around in the Mill Pool, open to the public, would attract more visitors and cash to Looe's economy than the proposed 'food shed' which carries no on-going, long term economic benefit. Surprisingly, even a regular Saturday and/or Sunday car boot sale throughout the year would probably engender more business for Looe.

No, if you want a superstore then go and live next to one back up country and leave Looe, and indeed, Cornwall for those tourists and local people who appreciate the uniqueness and quality of life to be found here.

CHRIS TAMBLIN

Looe.