RECENT letters to the Times have suggested that our councillors are blocking progress by refusing planning permission for Sainsbury's.
Unfortunately, there is well established evidence in market towns across the UK that major supermarket developments outside a town centre do damage the vitality and vibrancy of the town itself.
We have a special and unique town in Tavistock which at present attracts visitors to its local shops. If we continue to develop multi-national stores in the Plymouth Road area and create an alternative shopping destination, the town centre will become a ghost town which will not be attractive to visitors.
In addition to meeting the shopping needs of local people and providing employment, local shops use local suppliers where possible and their profits go to local people who will most likely spend them locally. This keeps our community alive and is an essential part of the whole equation.
We do need more low cost or free parking in the town centre, but that is the responsibility of West Devon Borough Council, not the Brook Campaign, which was set up by local residents and traders to oppose a specific Sainsbury's out of town development through the normal democratic processes.
There were around 380 letters of objection to Sainsbury's and about 20 in support. This matter will now be decided by the Secretary of State at an appeal instigated by Sainsbury's in the face of a democratically reached unanimous decision.
Gillian Hiles
Tavistock