I wish to respond to the letter by Keith Knaggs in the May 13 edition of the Gazette & Herald.

He states that “the proposal to bring an up-market food store into Malton” is being rubbished.

In what sense is Sainsburys an “up-market food store” or any different from Morrisons? They effectively offer the same quality and range of food, with little discernable difference. I feel that he is simply deluding himself that this proposal would do anything other than undermine the already excellent local high- quality food retailers within the town. It is these stores we should be supporting and building upon, especially in light of the efforts by traders to market and celebrate Malton through their ‘We love Malton’ campaign.

Would a major new supermarket in Wenthworth Street Car Park significantly reduce the number of southern Ryedale residents shopping in ASDA or Sainsbury at Monks Cross? No.

What about residents in the west of Ryedale? Would they stop going to Morrisons at Seamer? No.

This is simply because these stores will always be much more convenient.

It is clear, to all but the council that the main priority should be focused on locating new food retailing so it would reduce traffic congestion within the towns. A new store on the Norton side of the railway would limit the need for people to drive across to Malton, and reduce congestion in the centre of the town.

Ms S Oswald, Malton