WHAT?a storm in a teacup over the Co-op wanting to open a shop in Horrabridge (Times front page, May 26).

When most villages are losing their shops, the Co-op wants to buck the trend by opening one.

The present shop also hosts the Post Office and sells lottery tickets, so is hardly likely to lose all its trade.

The premises the Co-op wants to use, the now defunct Leaping Salmon pub, has a large car park which would alleviate the traffic hold-ups caused by those who use the current shop.

It is always good to have competition rather than a monopoly, as in Tavistock where campaigners wanted to stop Tesco opening a store which has given choice to the consumer and doesn’t seem to have caused any hardship.

If the Co-op does open a store in Horrabridge I would be encouraged to use the other facilities available locally.

Sadly the Leaping Salmon has not been a going concern for some years despite the valiant efforts of various landlords who have tried extremely hard to put on events.

Therefore, in the middle of this beautiful village we have a large empty building which needs to be used for some other enterprise and create jobs for local people.

I am sure that many other people would like to have a shop where we can buy all our daily needs without having to take our money out of the village.

A Sawbridge

Horrabridge

IF, as seems possible, the neighbouring Horrabridge Stores is put out of business what will happen to the Post Office and the newspaper deliveries, both essential to some of the older residents in the village?

The once daily bus, which is the only means of getting into Tavistock for those without transport and who are unable to climb the hill, already has problems with parked cars. There is often chaos. When this worsens due to increased traffic, this service could be withdrawn.

There is a blind and dangerous exit from The Leaping Salmon car park. This will be in use far more often than when it was a pub and users stayed for longer periods. Shoppers will be in and out all day. Delivery vehicles will add to the danger.

Past experience has proved that more than one general store in Horrabridge is not viable. Horrabridge Stores provides most necessities with courteous and personal service.

Margaret Hele

Horrabridge