I WAS disgusted when I received my letter from Midcounties Co-operative urging me to write to Forest of Dean District Council stating objections to Asda's planning consent to build a superstore at Steam Mills. How much of our money have they wasted on this project – postage, labour, stationery – which has ended up being binned? This will certainly have benefitted Asda!

Regarding their idea that the heart has been taken out of Cinderford, surely this has been caused by the Co-operative itself. Apart from the foodstore it has already taken over the chemist, funeral care and travel businesses.

The Co-operative should not be allowed to dictate to the council. They need competition. Let us, the public, decide where we want to do our shopping.

By allowing other stores to come, Cinderford will probably attract people from neighbouring towns to visit.

Don't give up,?Asda. You have much support.

– A sincere Forester.