IF anyone believes that there will be a greater diversity of shops in a Cinderford with a Tesco in it, they should come to Lydney and see how many really vital shops have closed there.

I can count at least six that have closed since Tesco opened. They are the book shop; a small chemist; a health food shop; a large newsagent; a corner grocery, and, worst of all, the greengrocery where you could buy locally grown, really fresh fruit and vegetables. This is not an increase in choice; even though some of these shops now sell 'gifts,' we have to buy supermarket vegetables from far away – meaning more big lorries on our crowded A48 – and go all the way to Coleford to buy decent books.

Furthermore, due to bad planning, Tesco's customers cause traffic jams on the High Street, so that the council is now considering building a roundabout. I think Tesco should pay for this.

All the small shops in Cinderford will be at risk if Tesco comes there, they will sell food, but also clothes, books, hardware, china, flowers, birthday cards and alcohol – so that's seven empty shops in your little town already! Be very wary! – Jay Travers, Viney Hill.