It seems almost beyond belief that anyone in their right mind could contemplate inflicting such a body-blow on the traders/stores in this village.

We have Somerfield and Iceland, both selling bread, meat, dairy products, etc. We have two bakers, two greengrocers, two fresh meat butchers, two all-round accessory shops and newsagents, all good, clean, adequate shops to serve us – a very good balance for our needs.

I hope this is so, that all are financially sound and turning over their invested capital.

So what would Tesco contribute to this village?

A cut in takings, certainly for the hard-working family business people making a go of their endeavours; a probably cut in numbers of staff employed in food stores; and a downgrade for this area.

The car parking facilities are just about adequate for local residents and shoppers from surrounding areas who come here, obviously, to use our well-stocked shops.

A constant stream of traffic into Rustington via Ash Lane proves the point.

Many wonder who has the authority to pass such projects. For surely, it is the ratepayers, at the bottom line, employing them. Isn't that right?

Rosemary Hawkins, Broadmark Avenue, Rustington

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