I NOTE with interest the continuing debate about the proposed Tesco store. Having recently moved to Okehampton, we were pleased to find enough high street shops to cater for most of our needs.

We previously lived near Cullompton, now a shabby and sad looking town with many empty shops. It used to be a thriving business community, until Tesco arrived. It had a Somerfield store for several years, which didn't really have a detrimental effect at all. Those who wanted other superstores could drive to Exeter or Taunton.

I also lay some blame at the door of shoppers, who just want to start a cold car engine for a short journey, which costs a lot in fuel, to go and do a weekly shop in one place. The savings they make seldom cover the costs of fuel.

I'm sure there are many with good arguments that I am old-fashioned or out of touch, but let me tell you about town centre shopping. I meet people I can have a conversation and a laugh with, not least the shopkeeper. I can find bargains equally as good as the supermarket's.

If I can't find what I want, it can be ordered for me. I can get alterations and repairs done. Most shopkeepers will go out of their way to oblige. That's the kind of shopping that is fun and enjoyable. Please don't throw it all away in favour of the cold, uncaring superstores, to whom you are nothing more than a consumer.

Nick Marshall

Okehampton