The correspondence from Fran Challice (21-06-13) was erudite and articulate and laid out pertinently the case against the Tesco/Asda invasion of the Forest.

I know some have been amused over the oft repeated word "monopoly" by some regarding the Co-operative Stores, but most decent and intelligent folk support their humanitarian stance and wish they really did have a monopoly as then there would be no slave or child labour and a small ecological footprint.

We have witnessed, since the advent of supermarkets the demise or reduction of ice cream vans, independent music and book stores, pick your own fruit, apple and pear orchards, to name but a few casualties. It is a runaway train.

The for and against debate regarding the big supermarkets could go on and on.

So I would like to throw down the gauntlet through the Review and challenge the Mayors of Coleford and Cinderford, and our councillors as after all, they are there to serve us all, supposedly democratically and should do their best to present facts for everyone to judge merits either way.

So my challenge is to present proof that the additional supermarkets would regenerate our towns. After all there should be statistics available. ie "In 2010 Tesco/ Asda opened in Anytown and the economy rose by so much percent and the High Street shops were revitalised" And name that town.

The councillors should also find out why, say, Llandeilo and Macynlleth that successfully banned larger supermarkets opening have such vibrant High Streets with locally owned independent shops. What are they doing right? Cardigan, in west Wales and Alston, in Cumbria have workers' co-operatives of fishermen, farmers and other suppliers so that money stays in their home areas and local businesses are supported. I have named those places as their sizes more or less compare plus they are also tourist areas, but with a bit of nous and motivation the said councillors could research other town projects across the UK.

It is well documented that employment by the big supermarkets has little impact on that problem as they employ their own experienced staff from other areas in senior posts and predominantly part timers on minimum wage from local recruitment. There must be something else out there offering better prospects for the people of the Forest.

So come on councillors earn your office and show some vision either by proving with hard statistics the supermarkets claim regarding revitalisation of our towns or present us with other options.

– Mrs J Price, Coleford.