MANY local town residents who are members of the Co-operative will have received a letter from them urging them to write to our local authority.

I am a member but I was absolutely disgusted at the content of the letter. I am surprised that the Co-op fear losing trade with all the local shops they have taken over.

•Lloyds chemist.

•Shop on Valley Road (Cinderford).

•The latest Harry Tuffins (Coleford and Lydney).

They have monopolised for far too long. Please let it stop!

It seems to me by them sending out such a letter that they fear this time they may lose.

I love Cinderford but sadly it is far from alive, mainly because of the limited merchandise available. To get a wider choice you have to go further afield. Sadly, I feel this is what has caused Cinderford to lose its heart.

Cinderford town centre consists mainly of food take-away shops. I don't think Asda or any other store coming to town will affect them!

Most other town centres seem to manage with more than one supermarket.

Since they have had the post office people have no choice but to go into their store. They have their regular customers who will not desert them, but if they are concerned that letting Asda come to town will affect their business then perhaps they should drop their prices so people could afford to shop in their store!

Rather than worry about the high street having its heart ripped out, they should be thankful for all the new jobs that will be created before giving back to many unemployed people their heart and self esteem.

– A Cinderford resident.