MADAM, It is understood that the Council turned down the opportunity for a Waitrose Store in Ross some years ago. The reason apparently was that many of the local traders and shopkeepers in the town feared that Waitrose would damage their trade.

In the end Waitrose went to Monmouth. That is one of the major factors in the transformation of Monmouth into the thriving town it is today.

Morrisons offer competitive pricing but Waitrose would draw a wide range of people from areas outside Ross, who would also support existing shopkeepers in Ross and enhance their trade.

Those in a position to do so should approach Waitrose again (on bended knee if necessary) and implore them to reconsider the question.

M R Lowe, Ross

MADAM, We were delighted that around 500 people came to the exhibition to study the plans and talk to our team. It's great to know that there is a strong majority of local residents who support our plans for a new supermarket in Ross-on-Wye. We will now analyse the feedback received and use it to shape the finer details of our planning application to Herefordshire Council later in the summer."

Initial feedback from the exhibition shows 61% in favour, 12% currently undecided and 26% opposed.

Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager, Jonathan Simpson

MADAM, Having seen Tesco's plans for a store in Ross I would like to make a few comments.

Firstly, I was shocked at the size of it. Secondly, how ridiculous it seems to have two supermarkets next door to each other in a small smarket town.

The two entrances are not ideal, especially on to Overross Street as it can be busy now, especially at Five Ways.

Do we need more of the same?

Ross Traders' Assocation have worked so hard to encourage shoppers in Ross. Is this to be wasted?

What will happen to the businesses already on the site? Is it true that the site is already being cleared? Where will the buses go?

I have spoken to three people who have lived in smaller towns where Tesco have built stores and they said the towns have died. The sadness is that it will go ahead, probably, whatever we think.

Lastly, Tesco's representatives told me that Morrisons were doing so well that the town could support two supermarkets, but I read in the Daily Mail's business pages on Friday that Morrisons' sales have plunged.

Mrs B?E?Adams, Ross