SIR, - A PAMPHLET through our letterbox invites us to vote for a certain Labour candidate in the local elections, but a couple of the paragraphs seem to contradict each other.

He supports residents' protests against the proposed supermarket on Station Road, saying it is too far from the town centre and would threaten existing small shops.

Also, surrounding roads are not suitable for the extra traffic.

The next paragraph says: "If we must have another store, the idea for the development of the Teanlowe car park is the better option."

In whose opinion? Surely a concrete carbunkle such as this in our lovely old village would not only rob Poulton of its character but also probably bankrupt all surrounding small shops.

As for unsuitability of the roads around the site, can you imagine the choas caused in our village centre, both during construction and after.

The candidate says "Poulton residents must be consulted on any plans ... every step of the way ... we will not support any proposal which damages Poulton."

The council has already invited offers from several large supermarket chains, which are now being considered, but have the citizens of Poulton been consulted or will it be a fait accompli behind closed doors?

The candidate asks for our views, so here are mine.

We neither need nor want another huge store here.

The three we already have are quite adequate to supply all our needs - a view shared by every Poulton resident I have spoken to.

Mrs Rich,

Appleton Close,

Poulton.

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