TESCO is reported as stating that they will only open a store where it is needed, so why on earth do they want to come to Whitecross Road? There is already a Co-operative store on the adjacent corner - it would be different if they were buying the Co-op

TESCO is reported as stating that they will only open a store where it is needed, so why on earth do they want to come to Whitecross Road?

There is already a Co-operative store on the adjacent corner - it would be different if they were buying the Co-op site. It cannot be for profit - not after the company has posted an annual profit of over �3 billion.

You can forget cheap prices because express store prices are far higher than supermarkets and many prices higher than the Co-op.

Does the area need a Tesco - no, there is a store within a mile of Whitecross Road. They cannot even claim to bring new jobs to the area because their presence will probably mean lost jobs amongst the other traders.

I cannot understand the attitude of the council for passing the plans because they could not find grounds to oppose it. How about their consideration for the other traders and the strong views of local residents - surely they have a duty to them.

In my younger days I knew Jack Cohen, his wife Tessa and daughter Shirley. Jack (later Sir John) Cohen was an East London barrow boy who saw a future in self service and named his first shop after Tess (TESs COhen) and the rest is history.

As he himself was a man of the people I am sure he would turn in his grave at the way the monster he created tries to squeeze the lifeblood out of local communities.

Going back to my opening line, there is no need for a Tesco in Whitecross Road so there is no point in them coming.

GEOFF MALHAM

Clarence Grove Road, Weston