BRIAN WINTERIDGE of Swannaton Road, Dartmouth, writes:

I read in the Chronicle of the application from Sainsbury's to apply for planning permission to add the sale of fuel to its enterprise by putting in a three-pump filling station.

Of course, at this stage this permission is to be decided but it gives me concern that another small local business could be under threat by a large concern.

Personally, I have no axe to grind as to where I buy my fuel and if there was a strong argument for having another outlet within a stone's throw of the present location with economic benefits I would not be concerned.

However, both of the present petrol stations are handily placed and supermarket prices now are not the saving they once were unless coupled with a promotion.

The likely outcome, if this did go forward, would be greater pressure on the existing stations with the logical outcome of closure of one or both – losing possibly a convenient post office location, a sandwich bar and an alternative outlet for those wanting to buy a small amount of provisions who have not the time to drop off the main road.

The purpose of this letter is that if you feel we should protect local employment and give us an alternative to the conglomerates would you please make your voice heard.