JOHN D Farrer (Letters, July 16) states that he has not heard one word of dissension on the proposed Safeway supermarket in Great Harwood from any Conservative councillor.

Could I cite Coun Peter Clarke who said (Letters, September 10, 1998): "I disagree that the town should be restructured around a large supermarket which has no place in a small town such as ours."

I consider that Coun Clarke's statement represents a positive 'No' to Safeway's planning application and would ask how many other Conservatives support his views.

Regarding Coun Adrian Shurmer's position on this subject, his pal, Philip Congdon, has come up with a detailed document opposing the plan claiming Hyndburn Council is unfit to decide the planning application. Within minutes of the report being presented to council officers, Coun Shurmer called the Lancashire Evening Telegraph to describe the report as absolutely damning on Hyndburn Council.

I respectfully suggest that Coun Shurmer stands in the middle of the road on this issue. Could it be that he has made promises to traders that are in conflict with the great majority views of the citizens of Great Harwood and he is unsure which side of the road to stand on?

I will continue to campaign for the Safeway development because I believe it to be in the best interests of the people and the town.

COUNTY COUNCILLOR GEORGE SLYNN, Haydock Square, Great Harwood.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.