Readers Letter

And the writer/writers of the @Sheringham letter in issue 74, (my letter was in issue 73), wonder why pro-supermarket residents find it difficult to speak out?! The heated letter seemed specifically designed to intimidate me, with accusations of my being "coy"; of my making "serious, preposterous, ridiculous and defamatory allegations"; threatening me that unless I provide details to support my statements "a full retraction and a full apology" will be required. Finally, I am informed that a prompt response is awaited! I have no wish to be combative. I speak for democracy. As requested, I am making a prompt response. I hold a valid view and my statement has been misinterpreted.

The falsely obtained figures to which I referred, are the 3,000 signatures obtained for the petition which was taken to Downing Street as representing the anti-Tesco residents of Sheringham. The presentation of the petition was shown in a widely publicised and viewed TV programme, which, incidentally, gave me the definite impression of being thoroughly biased.

During the Summer, I saw for myself, many holidaymakers being asked to sign this petition. The TV programme proudly proclaimed that one signatory was the policeman who was on duty at Downing Street when it was taken there. He "had connections with Sheringham". That is why I regard these figures as "falsely obtained", because they were not a true representation of the views of Sheringham residents. No coyly concealed accusations against SCAMROD, The Chamber of Trade or Sheringham Preservation Society. It is, however, a televised fact, that traders and residents were involved in the collection of signatures and the presentation of the petition. My interest is in democracy. I believe that Sheringham residents and only Sheringham residents should be involved in speaking out for, or against, a supermarket and that their response should not be "skewed" with votes from holidaymakers or policemen in Downing Street. Jennifer Mold

Readers Letter

I am totally disgusted by some of the comments made about Tesco in your recent editions. I have worked for Tescos for 22 years as a general assistant and you are saying that I am faceless and have no connection with the things that Tesco sells. I listen to the customer and try to do my best to meet the customers requests. The customer comes first, after all, without them there would be no supermarket. To call me faceless is a insult to both myself, my colleagues at Tesco and to all shop workers. The goods are not poor quality, they have to be up to this country's standards for us to be allowed to sell them. There were also comments about the profit being made by Tesco, yes, they do make large profits but that is because they are a large concern. Small shops also make profit, which is why they are in business. Every store does not sell the same things, it is dependent upon the type and size, however, they do all sell a vast range of goods that are almost impossible to buy in Sheringham. The aim of Tesco is not to drive small High Street shops out of business. People would not travel to Sheringham just to shop in the supermarket, they need the variety of the High Street and if people do not come, then Tesco loses too.  One letter also states that the writer enjoys shopping in Sheringham, meeting independent men and women who run their own businesses and are proud of the quality of the goods that they make and sell. How many of our High Street shops make anything they sell, with the exception of the bakeries that is.  As an employee of Tesco I an tell you that they really look after their staff, wages are reasonable, staff discount and other perks generous. They also do a great deal for their local communities without publicising it. Name Withheld

Painting & Drawing Summer School

Taking place at Sheringham Park over a four day period, 23- 27 July, 10 - 4pm. Tutor Clementina Sutton. There is free parking and the cost of the course is only £66.