I WAS present at the meeting to discuss the retail impact of the three supermarket proposals for the city namely Sainsbury's, Asda and Safeways at the Guildhall.

Tesco, although the "Manchester United" of the supermarket groups which have indicated that they also want to play in the St John's "league" were ignored, although I would also give their application the "red card!"

It was obvious from the outset that planners and consultant alike favoured placing a Sainsbury's on Swanpool, their main reason being it would not harm the smaller shops.

People opposed to the destruction of central St John's should take heart from the many sensible questions asked of the planners such as what damage a supermarket would do to corner shops and village shops.

Questions such as "what happens to public car parking, pollution, traffic congestion, school problems, environmental damage" all will have to be addressed thoroughly.

JOE WALTER,

St John's,

Worcester.