WILL we ever be allowed to have new shops in Ely to compete with Tesco? Apparently, we can t have Lidl here in Ely because it might harm the city. Tesco on the other hand was allowed to expand its store and build loading bay areas for the home shopping s

WILL we ever be allowed to have new shops in Ely to compete with Tesco? Apparently, we can't have Lidl here in Ely because it might harm the city. Tesco on the other hand was allowed to expand its store and build loading bay areas for the home shopping service. In progress is also a new car wash. Now they want to erect a temporary raised car parking area ready for the Christmas rush. This in a time when we are urged to use our cars less. If this is a success, no doubt this will be a permanent feature. No to Lidl though, because this would be direct competition to Tesco just across the road. Is this the real reason?

Given the fact that Ely is rapidly expanding in the housing department, surely we should be allowed more choice in where we shop in Ely, not provide Tesco with more money to expand further. Competition between supermarkets can only be good for the people living in Ely and the surrounding villages. Let the debate begin to promote more choice in Ely where we shop!

JOHN SEYMOUR, By email.