SAINSBURY'S Supermarket proposals for Swanpool, St John's, have now been heard before a Government Inspector, following the store's appeal against the city councillors turning down its plans on four occasions.

The Inspector's decision will be made known on January 4, 2002.

I would like to thank residents who, in their thousands, signed a petition objecting to the plan.

Thanks also to city councillors for opposing the plan against the wishes of city planners and influential groups.

I listened through days of discussion at the Guildhall. What became apparent were the difficulties with traffic management and the lack of parking on site and in the centre of St John's.

I was also appalled at the cavalier approach to the destruction of a lovely tennis club and the uprooting of protected trees, which apparently are of historical importance and could live for another 200 years.

I told the inquiry I thought the destruction was an act of vandalism on a grand scale.

I spoke up for small traders and, on asking how a newsagent would survive, a Sainsbury's spokesman said they would have to diversify!

It seems ironic that, at the moment, the council is on the shortlist for a prestigious award for improving green spaces in urban areas.

Yet I have witnessed scant sympathy from planners for our lovely trees and tennis club.

Our green spaces are so very precious and should be retained and enhanced for future generations to enjoy - not allowed to be destroyed for commercial gain.

JOE WALTER,

Bromwich Lane,

Worcester.