IN answer to Philip Congdon (Letters, July 21) I suggest all the reasons he gave earlier (Letters, September 3, 1998) for supporting the Safeway supermarket application still stand.

I quote:

1) "The news that Safeway is thought to be considering Great Harwood as the site for a new store is a vote of confidence in our town."

2) "We have been crying out for inward investment. Here it is."

3) "There are obvious benefits in terms of employment and consumer choice."

4) "To be successful, the supermarket will have to attract outsiders to come into town."

5) "The hidden bonus for existing traders is that this could also mean a terrific boost to local shop sales and more employment."

Mr Congdon mentions an urban regeneration plan is needed for Great Harwood. I believe that the Safeway application is itself town centre regeneration and could well lead to further much-needed investment in our town.

The people of Great Harwood have given strong support for this supermarket. I suggest we agree this application, use planning gain to add social value to the project, reinvest capital gains within the town and look with vision to the future for our town.

COUNTY COUNCILLOR GEORGE SLYNN, Haydock Square, Great Harwood.

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