Sir – I refer to Mr Gordon’s letter (July 1). Like him, many people believe it was Morrisons’ intention to build here.

The imposition of additional planning conditions, with the significant extra costs, and poor financial performance, would be reasons for not going ahead.

Waitrose has changed its trading habits by extending its operation into non-food items, taking business away from independents and making the financial performance of the Wallingford store one of the best in their organisation.

Most of their customers do not support Wallingford’s independent businesses, but arrive in Waitrose car park, shop, go back to their cars and off home.

So I need to be persuaded that Morrisons would have had an adverse impact on the independents.

Councillor Cotton and his fellow councillors got what they wanted, ignoring the desire of a large proportion of Wallingford residents and the town council.

Waitrose’s old site needs redevelopment; it has been talked about for years. I wonder if it would still be undeveloped if it was located in Didcot? The financial support from SODC to that community is immense but the financial support Wallingford gets from our district council needs urgent review, in order that the town can be helped to prosper.

So I suggest that the redevelopment of the old Waitrose site should be at the forefront of councillor Cotton’s mind now that he has cabinet responsibility for Wallingford.

Derrick Hoare
Brookmead Drive
Wallingford