I WRITE in response to a letter, published May 7, suggesting that Stroud should follow the example of Cirencester with regards to supermarkets.

The correspondent suggests Cirencester has succeeded by only allowing two large supermarkets plus Aldi and Lidl.

This is only half the story.

Whilst it is the case that Cirencester has only two large retailers operating there – Tesco and Waitrose – it should be noted that this doesn’t reflect the true situation.

Tesco has three stores, one of which is an exceptionally large ‘extra’ store, whilest Waitrose’s store is also a decent size.

In addition, your correspondent has overlooked the fact M&S also has a food shop in the town, whilest the Co-op operate the service station on the bypass and Bugdens operate a petrol station in Chesterton.

Not forgetting Aldi and Lidl, in total, this means there are nine supermarkets within a small radius.

Whilest it is undeniable that this provides value to customers, by theoretically building competition, it does threaten independent traders.

In particular, I can remember the town greengrocer being forced out of business as a result of Tesco’s dominance in the early 2000s.

Where did the owner of that business end up working?

You guessed it – Tesco.

Robert Hicks

Hardwicke