WHY doesn't Sainsbury's do something about all the empty, boarded-up and decaying properties it owns in St John's?

The planners wouldn't let them demolish buildings to make way for a superhighway to their store so these properties form no part of their current proposals.

Surely they must admit that they have been outmanoeuvred by Tesco over their megastore plans so why don't they do the decent thing and either do away or provide a much smaller store on the site they own?

Something more like the Co-op but better, something on the shopping street, something more friendly to residents and existing businesses.

For years, Sainsbury's have punished St John's by blight. How can they expect to be welcomed by a community they have treated like this?

Now regarding that other giant store, as you know I would like Tescos to go away, too, and I have invited them to do so.

However, I know this is unlikely in the near future. It is clear that whether or not Tesco win their planning tussle - they will because Sainsbury's paved the way by winning their appeal - nothing will happen on the Chrissies school site for years yet.

Meanwhile, the uncertainty must be having a most detrimental effect on the school. I have been most impressed by the new headmaster, Neil Morris, and his determination to improve his school even in these difficult circumstances. For this he deserves our support and thanks.

Now - would the supermarket companies please leave us alone?

DAVID BIRTWHISTLE, Worcester.