HAVING read about the store wars breakthrough in the Review I would like to correct some of Cllr Tim Holder's views.

It was in the guise of the regeneration of Cinderford that Tesco was originally pushed forward against the plans of the Co-op. But Tesco (only in it for themselves!) fell way short of the Co-op's proposal.

From day one, anyone with a brain, could see that the Co-op proposal totally embraced Cinderford's regeneration aspirations. But the Council knew best ...and threw out the best option.

To compare Ross-on-Wye with its Sainsbury, and Monmouth with its Lidl and Iceland, is pretty naive of Councillor Hodenr (even for a Councillor.) Cinderford doesn't support the same size population so additional growth and competition cannot healthily exist amongst existing traders, as it does in these far greater sized towns.

Councillor Holder's view that: "We can't even get one supermarket in this town" is a blinkered one. Perhaps it's gone unnoticed that we have the Co-op and we have Lidl. And it's obviously gone unnoticed that we also have numerous stores in the High Street where similar "supermarket goods" can be purchased.

The arrival of Tesco would destroy the fine balance that already exists in Cinderford. As a councillor that 'knows best' I'm sure he's already aware of that. But just forgot!

He also claims that "the majority of people in Cinderford want Tesco." But that's a lie! When the chance came for a public vote 379 out of 500 voted against Tesco! Common sense looked to prevail.

But the council knew best ...and ignored public wishes.

It's my understanding that the Council is elected to do what's right for the town. So, how is it that the Council failing the town with its poor decision making?

I hope that the council can still rise to the challenge and kick Tesco's (selfish) profit-based plan out of the rugby-ground for good.

Or, perhaps, the council will be proud to hold its head high knowing that local businesses will have suffered because of its incompetence? – C. A. Sinden, Cinderford.

PS: I was visiting my daughter in Bracebridge Heath, Lincolnshire at the weekend. I popped into the Co-op supermarket to buy milk and a newspaper. But there were no newspapers.

The store manager told me that the Co-op didn't sell newspapers because, by doing so, they would put the local Newsagent out of business. I could never see Tesco's taking the same considerate decision!