As a regular shopper in Rustington, I am absolutely livid with the comments made by spokeswoman for Tesco Carol Leslie, although not surprised one bit.

She mentions the company's Think 21 scheme and says that "if there are youths congregating outside, we will certainly take action, putting CCTV in and we could even employ a security guard if there were real problems".

Well, Ms Leslie, you certainly know what is more than probably going to happen here, then!

They are expecting problems with youths and, yes, Tesco will employ a security guard and CCTV.

This makes for a wonderful shopping experience.

What can a security guard do when confronted with 10 or 20 youths?

CCTV is only effective after an incident and then puts more strain on the police who then have to respond, incidentally which is paid from council tax.

Am I the only one here thinking — if the shop wasn't there in the first place, then there would be no youths hanging around, no need for CCTV, no need for security guards, no late-night attraction for youths to gather, etc?

If the shop isn't there, then you won't get problems.

And what will Tesco do for Rustington? I know from experience that they do not clear any rubbish outside their shop in Beaumont Park.

MacDonald's clears up outside its shops!

And what do we find in the same edition of your newspaper – Tesco sponsoring a regional drinks awards (page 6). Surprised?

They only seem interested in one thing, profit. Big, fat profit.

And if your village dies, then they will just say it's not their fault.

Shoppers do have a voice. Vote with your feet and they might get the message.

Chris Faerber
The Whapple, Littlehampton

-----------------------------
Click here to return to Gazette letters.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Gazette: roger.green@littlehamptongazette.co.uk