MADAM, I am far from being a fan of Tesco. They are, in my opinion, far too powerful. However, at this time they are what Ross needs. Please forgive the blizzard of numbers that follows, but some facts may illuminate the debate

The argument 'they will damage local business' does not, I think, stand up. I have done a rough audit of Ross shops. The total is approximately 195 shops. Of these an incredible 22 stand empty while a further 12 are charity shops. The total of banks, estate agents and other financial operations is 24 and there are 11 hairdressers and beauticians. Now, these 69 operations will not be affected by competition from Tesco in the slightest. I also believe these are unlikely to attract tourists to the town.In the antiques, art and gift shops sector, Ross has 18 outlets. These face little competition from Tesco. Our 21 restaurant and fast food outlets shouldn't feel too threatened either, even though Tesco are likely to have in-store catering of some kind. Likewise the 19 clothes shops of various kinds, though Tesco do sell clothing.

This totals 127 outlets of the 195 in Ross who won't be seriously affected. Add in the bookies, jewellers, carpet, sports shops, opticians and you reach a total of 140 or 70% of Ross shops and businesses, who have little or nothing to fear from Tesco. I would hazard a guess that few of the remaining 30% of retailers are flourishing – I wish they were.

I contend that Ross is not attracting shoppers at the moment; the presence of 34 empty and charity outlets seems to support that. To attract people to Ross – those living within a 15 mile range – you have to provide a reason and the presence of a third major retailer (and its car-park) could be just that reason.

Rather than dismiss Tesco's overtures out of hand, I think they should be considered. I seem to remember some years back the predictions that the one-way traffic system would kill Ross – we couldn't manage without it now.

Andrew S Pearson