Without wishing to flog the subject of the Aldi store planning application to death, I do hope that those in a position to consider this proposal will look at all the options, and not just the negative ones. I realise it will create more competition with the other stores in Liskeard, but how long has that been a planning issue? For the town council to refuse to even discuss the matter with representatives from the company, I find almost unbelievable. Refusing this application, which I believe the majority of locals would be in favour of, will not protect the existing retail outlets: I believe just the opposite. Our planners will be sending local shoppers, in six months' time, to the new Lidl store which is opening in Saltash or the new store being planned for Callington. Rightly or wrongly, we should not stop progress. How many other businesses have been lost by refusing them permission to set up in the town? Do we want to be left behind or to create more opportunities for employment and choice for the people of our town and surrounding villages?

PAUL CUMMINS Liskeard