Dear Editor,

I was more than surprised to read (Ross Gazette August 15th) that the Town Council is objecting to the planning application for a new Lidl store, on the grounds that it would be ‘detrimental to the economic viability of the town’.

The proposed site - the Wolf Business Park - is an unproductive eyesore that needs to be razed to the ground. Moreover, in view of the planned development of the eastern section of the town, with 212 houses to be built in Hildersley as a starter, we need better and more comprehensive infrastructure to support a burgeoning population, including: modern shopping precincts; new schools; centralised emergency services, and additional medical centres.

And, if the council is worried about increased volumes of traffic, then start building better roads; overhaul the torturous one-way system in the town centre, and stop large agricultural vehicles from taking short cuts through the town on narrow roads.

The town would benefit hugely from these initiatives and, with them, some long-awaited, healthy competition.

Phil Angus, Ross-on-Wye