REGARDING the remarks of Philip Congdon about the proposed supermarket in Great Harwood (Letters, July 21), I take exception to his comments about councillors being "swayed by executive double talk."

As a councillor, who is a member of the development services committee, I can assure Mr Congdon and all doubters, that I have not been swayed by any double talk, executive or otherwise. As far as I am concerned the matter has never been discussed at any committee and won't be until it appears on the Development Services agenda.

As for my views, well, I shall listen to the arguments, for and against this proposal, then if I am still not convinced I can always opt for a 'site visit.' So, Mr Congdon, please don't tarnish all councillors with the same tainted brush. I am, like many others, sick and tired of your ranting on this matter.

County Councillor George Slynn (Letters, July 12) put forward eight points in favour of this supermarket. I know someone will always find reasons for not having one. At the moment, from memory, only a handful seem to be against it.

Mr Congdon seems to be its biggest opponent. Surely, when the majority of the shopping public of Great Harwood want this supermarket, then that says it all.

As I have said, when it comes before the committee, then and only then, will I make my decisions and, rest assured, on planning grounds only.

COUNCILLOR JOHN WELLS, St Leger Court, Accrington.

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