SIR – St Albans has been described as an attractive and vibrant market town with a wide range of shops, both large and small. In recent years, several of the smaller shops and businesses in the town centre have closed and the uniqueness of our wonderful t

SIR - St Albans has been described as an attractive and vibrant market town with a wide range of shops, both large and small. In recent years, several of the smaller shops and businesses in the town centre have closed and the uniqueness of our wonderful town has become increasingly under threat.

At a time when we should be doing all we can to keep the town centre alive, why are there plans to extend a local supermarket? Sainsbury's, in Everard Close, intend to expand their range of non-food products and caf�. Surely, this will result in even more trade being taken away from the centre?

In addition to this, many local residents feel the expansion is unnecessary and likely to result in increased noise, pollution in the area and add to the problem of the town's traffic congestion.

We believe traffic flow will increase though the King Harry roundabouts, Vesta Avenue, Wilshire Avenue and Doggetts Way. Please could you urge any concerned readers to submit a comment online or by post to the council.

The application is a resubmission following the withdrawal of a planning application last year.

CONCERNED NEIGHBOURS

Leyland Avenue, St Albans