SIR, — With reference to the letter from Mr Tidball (Herts Advertiser, September 11), any presumption by Tesco that I would somehow favour any particular application that they may choose to put in is arrogant, as they have not discussed the matter with

SIR, - With reference to the letter from Mr Tidball (Herts Advertiser, September 11), any presumption by Tesco that I would somehow "favour" any particular application that they may choose to put in is arrogant, as they have not discussed the matter with me.

Previously I have expressed concerns and objections to the original proposal at numerous levels and made Tesco's Mr Michael Kissman aware that I believed that this was a deeply-flawed application which on balance would prove disadvantageous for this area of St Albans and the planning decision by St Albans District Council supported that view.

Consequently I can only assume that Mr Kissman is referring to his decision to press ahead with the refurbishment of the derelict properties on London Road which have proved such an eyesore for local people. I am sure that he is also aware that I have asked both the council and Tesco to bring all the derelict properties back into use including the properties they have scheduled for demolition on Inkerman Road.

Obviously the London Road properties were part of the original application and as such, refurbishing these properties will not prevent Tesco from developing the whole site. The other empty residential properties are not being included as part of the plans Tesco appear to be putting to the council and yet they have also been left empty for a significant period of time. However I can only assume that Tesco has omitted the Inkerman properties from this refurbishment application as they would somewhat inconvenience any future ambitions that Tesco may have for this site

Sadly the whole application site is a total shambles and Tesco would do St Albans a far greater service if rather than tossing it one small bone in order to try and satisfy public opinion with this application for the London Road properties they were to work constructively with the council and agree an acceptable way forward for the site. Refurbishment of the London Road properties is certainly not the whole picture and indeed my constituents do not deserve to have developments in their city centre treated in such a haphazard and thoughtless fashion.

ANNE MAIN MP (St Albans),

House of Commons.