DOUGLAS Nixon, in his letter in the Review, alleges that the Co-op has a monopoly position in Cinderford and uses this position to charge higher prices.

If this is a monopoly, what about Lidl's supermarket which I believe is noted for its low price approach to trading? They have a store in Cinderford - indeed, the only one in the Forest. There are also a number of convenience stores, including a Spar, where presumably some folk do their shopping. On a point of speculation, I wonder what their future would be if there was a massive Tesco in Dockham Road, hoovering up trade in the town?

As for the Co-op's prices, these are determined largely by the Society, and will be the same as other Co-op supermarkets in the Forest and beyond. I've always found prices in my store reasonable - though I cannot compare these with those in Tesco, as I have never shopped there, and don't intend to start now.

The Co-op's prices are determined by giving a fair return to those involved in its business. These include suppliers (including the "fairtrade" sources), the members of the Co-op, through the "divi", community organisations (through the "community dividend") and the Society itself for re-investment in the business it runs. All Co-op members have an equal say in the Society's business - and can make their views heard, vote at annual general meetings, and participate at various levels in the work of the Society. I don't think we can say the same for other retail chains. – Alistair Graham, Stanford Road, Lydney.