Dear Editor

Tesco's relentless invasion of Reading is set to continue when it opens its 10th store in the town. A new Tesco Express, based in the building in Market Place will open in February.

Why do our Council let Tesco take over the town? Is there no way to limit to their expansion? Watch the small shops close, so the choice for customers becomes less good. When only supermarkets and a few specialist shops remain, will the council think it a good thing?

Tesco now controls over 30% of the grocery market in the UK. Growing evidence indicates that Tesco's rise is partly based on trading practices that are having serious consequences for suppliers, farmers and workers worldwide, as well as local shops and the environment. The Competition Commission investigated Tesco last year after a two-year inquiry into the grocery sector and introduced a 'competition test'. It would have meant that permission for a new supermarket would be subject to a retailer’s existing market share in the area. Tesco fought back and won, though a commission remedy based on a market investigation has never previously been successfully challenged.

Will Tesco be allowed to take over every shop, when will they be stopped? Getting some Greens in positions of authority may be the only answer.

Adrian Windisch, Green Party Candidate for Reading West
0118 9567190 mob 07802 671606