IN reference to Alistair Graham's letter backing the Co-op.

Maybe he should try shopping at Asda again and see how much cheaper their food is, compared to the Co-op in Cinderford. I live in Cinderford and I do shop in the Co-op. They are expensive. One thing needs to be remembered: they are the only major supermarket here in Cinderford. They can charge what they want. If you are not aware, there are bands given to supermarkets depending on size and how many supermarkets within the location of the store that determines which band they are. There are three bands with number one being the highest allowing the store to charge higher prices. The Co-op in Cinderford is given band one as there is no competition and we are given tourism status, allowing the Co-op to use the higher band for charging the public.

Does Mr Graham know that there are between 15-20 shops empty in Cinderford alone? Now who is to blame for that? So Alistair lets have a reality check shall we?

– Mike Grindle, Cinderford.