MANY of the letters of support for a Tesco in Okehampton have stated they shop elsewhere (ie, Launceston) where I understand, at the moment, some local shops are offering loyalty vouchers to try to win back trade from Tesco.

Claire Bell in her letter (May 24) sums up the effect a Tesco could have on Okehampton — she travels to Launceston because 'everything is under one roof', but in Okehampton she has to go to three supermarkets and up into Fore Street for a pharmacy and clothes — in other words she won't ever support the local shops. The potential is we lose even those that do shop in Fore Street at the moment.

I suspect most of the shoppers that travel elsewhere will simply go to Tesco, if Okehampton gets one, and then go home — Launceston is a perfect example.

Yes, jobs will be created and other projects contributed to (ie, link road) and fuel will have been saved by those who no longer travel to shop but at what cost to Okehampton Town Centre — could it be 'robbing Peter to pay Paul'?

A thorough analysis of what has happened elsewhere, I assume, will be undertaken before any scheme is approved. Two schemes have been put forward — which is right for Okehampton, if any?

Okehampton needs something but is it another supermarket?

Bring in Mary Portas, Queen of Shops!

Maureen Bryant

Stockley

Okehampton

WHEN I was a boy during world war two, food was in short supply and severely rationed. Because of this, and because most of us were more than fully occupied and flat screen TVs had yet to be invented, as a nation we were leaner and fitter.

Today I sometimes wonder just how much food a town the size of Okehampton (and surrounding district) can consume. The painful truth is we simply do not need half as much as we eat. And if proof were needed, one only has to stand in the car park and watch over-weight people waddling out of Waitrose or lumbering out of Lidl in the wake of large trolleys groaning under the weight of yet more food. The output — and input — could be measured in tons.

There's a word for this state of mind, you know — greed or gluttony, take your pick.

And yet it seems that we are preparing to welcome another major food retail outlet to join us. Why? Well we all know the reason, don't we? Tesco will promise new roads, schools, sports facilities, you name it. But more food! Why? The mind boggles, let alone the gastric juices.

But then, if that is the common consensus of opinion in Okehampton, why not? And why not invite Morrisons and Aldi and Sainsbury's to join us? Bring 'em on. But, don't complain if you can no longer do up the zip of your favourite slinky skirt, or the top button on your corduroy breeches.

Bon appetite!

Richard Williamson

Blatchfords Court

Okehampton

I AM surprised that Tesco's contemplate coming to Okehampton. Have they not heard of the soon to be open underground shop in Exbourne?

Dave Weeks

Exbourne