VJ MONTAGUE, of Aune Cross, Bantham, writes:

I wonder if I am alone in being bemused by the recent article in Rear View Mirror in which you appear to compare supermarkets to geese that lay golden eggs?

At the present price of gold, a golden egg would be worth a small fortune and a good layer could fund major community projects! Joking aside, this clearly does not happen.

On the contrary, countryside experience suggests that competition from supermarkets closes small businesses, especially rural shops and post offices. More like 'killing off the goslings' than laying golden eggs.

Seriously though, supermarket chains have massive competitive advantages over small businesses.

With their huge financial clout they can buy up prime business sites, large enough for car parks and stores, sit on them for years – thus excluding competition – and develop them when they think fit.

Against this background, the South Hams Council's modest proposal of a small levy to redress the balance would seem fair and reasonable. They should not be castigated for doing what they were elected to do, namely, look after the interests of the local community.

You are right to point out the adverse effect of escalating parking charges on local business.

Sadly these had become an integral part of the council's strategy to keep down council tax charges.

To reduce parking charges would require an alternative source of revenue.

Where better than from the proposed levy?