I READ the letter from Mr Crispin (January 17) with interest but think he is missing the point. I am delighted he comes to Tavistock for his weekly shop and that he has the time and energy to buy items from various shops in the town centre.

But when you see these shoppers leaving Morrisons, pushing their weekly shopping in loaded trolleys, imagine them having to carry it all in carrier bags to wherever they have managed to park their cars. Today, few have the time and patience to shop the way they did in the days of old.

With its pannier market and shops selling high quality goods, Tavistock has a wonderful town centre and its preservation runs high on any agenda regarding the future development of this town. However, the lifeblood of any town centre is the number of potential customers, particularly where high quality shops are concerned.You do not buy expensive items on a weekly basis and therefore these shops need exposure to as many people as possible.

The old Focus Do-It-All site, having failed to attract any other DIY organisation, needs to be redeveloped. Ideally if this development could encourage more people to visit Tavistock, especially on a regular and frequent basis, it would also benefit the town centre. It is unlikely anyone would come here and not visit the town centre for their other requirements.

A second supermarket would not only increase the range and quality of foods available to shoppers but it would also introduce more competitive pricing and create 100 or more jobs.

Strangely enough, although opposed to the general idea, Mr Crispin hit the bullseye with a throwaway comment towards the end of his letter: 'Perhaps we need every supermarket to have a store on the outskirts of Tavistock'. Although rather impractical, it could be a good idea. Most people have their favourite supermarket.

Barrie Knapp

via email

ANOTHER supermarket? No thanks. After reading through the ideas of having another supermarket in Tavistock I was very shocked to see that a lot of residents were for the idea.

We already have enough food shops in Tavistock, the council needs to look at an idea to what the building would be useful for to enhance the town and bring more business in for everyone.

I personally would like to see something social, for example, a bowling alley, inside climbing barn, inside scooter/BMX area, indoor and outdoor play areas for children, night club.

I think the council are asking for the wrong companies to invest. I definitely do not want another supermarket and I'm sure if you gave the people/families of Tavistock a choice of one of the above or similar they would prefer that instead.

Eleanor Carey

Portington

Lamerton

I FIND it hard to believe that Tavistock is not in need of another supermarket. As someone that works across the road from Morrisons, I use the store for my weekly shop.

Unfortunately, for the last couple of months we have been shopping at Tesco, Launceston. I live in Lifton so for me this is inconvenient, when a supermarket is straight across the road from my work.

The reason I shop out of my way, is that Morrisons can't cope. In turn when I go there either the shelves aren't stacked or I have to queue forever. The employees of Morrisons do their best.

Another supermarket won't ruin the town it will encourage more people to Tavistock which will mean more passing trade. Above all this it will create jobs for those who are unemployed. When you're earning you have money to spend in the town.

The old Focus site looks deserted and ugly. It makes the retail park look dead. Surely a supermarket is better than a rotting empty building and surely creating jobs for the community is better?

Charleigh Bradshaw

Kellybeare Farm

Lifton