WITH regard to the current application by Sainsbury's to build a store in Tavistock, there has been significant opposition by the chamber of commerce and the Brook organisation to this application on behalf of town centre interests.

The contrary view in support of a new supermarket needs no special statement. It is obvious and supported by some 300 cars in Morrisons car park for most of each day, with queues at checkouts and a  crowded store. This is what people want in this day and age and Sainsbury's would offer additional choice, and competition to ease the present scramble.

The competition between these stores may not be welcome to town centre traders, who, as Mrs Fell says in her submission to the inquiry, will have problems in charging realistic prices. Hardly a recommendation for town centre shopping.! Fortunately, Tavistock has many other compensations. It is a delightful town ruined by traffic, the absence of traffic control, and adequate parking facilities. When was the last time pedestrianisation was  heard in relation to the historic centre?

The extra out of town shoppers drawn to Tavistock by the supermarkets will be in significant numbers and many would enjoy a visit to the shops, market and farmers' market if they could find somewhere to park.

If the idea has not already been considered, why not ask Sainsbury's to include a park and ride facility with a bus service to the town at their expense, with adequate safegards, to take shoppers into town, leaving their cars at Sainsbury's (or Morrisons), for the duration of their visit?

Peter Boyce

Roland Bailey Gardens

Tavistock