READING the recent headline "Prestwich traders back the Tesco plans" I could not believe it! Look at what the Trafford Centre has done to Manchester. The demise of Lewis's is only one example.

Tesco is on the borders of Prestwich, Whitefield and Radcliffe. What do people there think about these expansion plans?

Bury Council need to spend some time and money smartening up Prestwich Village and Whitefield, which are a disgrace.

I have resided in Prestwich all my life (88 years) and remember when Prestwich, Whitefield and Radcliffe were towns where people were proud to live.

Supermarkets have spoiled our village for the friendly shopkeepers and shops where you could walk in and receive personal attention. I would need a wheelchair to shop at Tesco, but being able to visit local, smaller shops keeps me independent.

MRS A. A. NEARY,

Green Walks,

Prestwich.