Sir, – I was pleased to read in a previous issue of the Herald that Tesco have submitted a revised planning application for their site at Mill Lane, Alton. 

The fact that they were refused permission in July and then spent time to overcome the reasons for refusal, I feel, shows a real commitment to providing more shopping choice for local people in Alton.

I am particularly in favour of the proposed transport and traffic improvements. Extending the town bus service to cover evenings, weekends and bank holidays, for instance, is an excellent idea and a much-needed initiative that would benefit all local people, as well as maybe encouraging some of us to be a bit 'greener'. 

There has been some talk about whether a supermarket outside of Alton town centre would hurt the town centre shops. Currently I do my weekly food shopping at weekends and go out of Alton town centre. If Tesco came to Alton, my shopping behaviour wouldn't change, just the location of my food shopping. I'm sure that there are many other local people who have similar habits, and therefore I believe that having a choice of supermarkets doesn't mean a negative impact on Alton town centre.  

Tesco's store would be roughly the same size as Sainsbury's store, giving them some healthy retail competition, as well as a better food shopping choice for local residents.

Also, at a time when youth unemployment is so very high, would it not be shameful to turn down the opportunity of 320 jobs for local people? 

I also see the details of the forthcoming public exhibition for the Coors supermarket proposal at another location away from the town centre. The timing of this strikes me as being very suspicious in light of Tesco's recent application. Surely, the Mill Lane site is the best location for a competitor to Sainsbury's, not least since it won't cause considerable issues to many people within our community.

I personally will be urging members of the Planning Committee to grant permission for a Tesco store at Mill Lane without delay.

S Newland, Croft Gardens, Alton