AS my name was mentioned in the letter from Name and address supplied (who I shall refer to as 'the writer' Review August 9, headed Co-op v Asda) may I be permitted to respond and correct a few things written.

I consider that I am a fairly educated female with common sense. The writer wants to know how I know what Asda sells when I don't shop in the store.

I do watch adverts on TV plus campaigner Amanda Watkins is quoted as saying: "All we want is for there to be a shop in Cinderford that enables people to buy everything they need without the need to go to Gloucester or elsewhere."

That implies to me that she is referring to Asda store selling everything she needs. The writer stated that she does not live in Cinderford but she will shop there when Asda comes. Amanda Watkins is quoted as saying 'Cinderford is a forgotten town where people had to travel to get anything done'.

I wonder how the writer knows so much about Cinderford, when not living there, that 200 more houses are being built in Cinderford and the Co-op. has failed in its promise to build walkways etc. Where are these walkways supposed to be? Perhaps instead of complaining about non-existant walkways councillors should remind the Co-op of its promise.

Does 200 houses mean approximately two adults to each house and the population of Cinderford will increase by at least 400 or does the figure include people already residing there?

The writer mentions cheap food, quote "as the lady previously stated." My letter made no reference whatsoever to cheap food and I made no reference whatsoever that Asda should not be built.

It is pleasing to know that people will be employed by Asda. I do hope that some jobs will be full-time and not all part-time ones and that the wages will be above the minimum rate.

As far as Co-op staff visiting the Lidl store is concerned. Lidl sells items that the Coop does not. Lidl is a good store and my husband visits it regularly but we still support the Co-op. for our main items.

Do not feel sorry for the citizens of Cinderford because they are dominated by the Co-op.

The way Amanda Watkins speaks most citizens do not shop in Cinderford, they go elsewhere. That is why they want Asda in Steam Mills. It seems that the majority of people who shop in Cinderford live outside the town.

The Co-op. has been around for a very long time. I can even remember when bread and milk were delivered by horse and cart in the county where I was born many years ago. People should not forget the Co-op was there for them when supermarkets were not in being.

The writer concludes: "Keep up the good work Amanda. I and thousands more are behind you."

I am not quite sure what this means. Amanda Watkins has stated that Cinderford is a 'forgotten town' and the writer states she will shop in the town when Asda opens.

The reason for my previous letter was to point out that the town needs regenerating and not left to rot. More shops are needed to encourage people to visit the town to buy items that they cannot buy in Asda. (I would love to see a Bon-Marche store, this would save me a journey to Gloucester). The reason Beales closed was because the citizens of Cinderford did ­not use it.

As the writer stated: With 200 more homes being built there is a need for another supermarket but we also need a local vibrant town. I have noticed coloured rings but I don't know what they are for. Are they for tying a dog lead to?

In my previous letter I suggested that Cinderford be closed and the shops turned into bed-sits. (with all the work being carried out near Steam Mills it might be a good idea to move the town to that area).

Planning minister, Nick. Boles has stated that, rather than seeking to revive every high street, councils should concentrate retail outlets in 'prime' locations and allow other areas to become residential. As Amanda Watkins has said, 'Cinderford is a forgotten town.'

I would suggest the writer reads letters carefully and does not make comments about things that were not mentioned.

– Janet Pennock, Ruardean.