CLAIMS by the big supermarkets that they are major creators of jobs was long ago revealed as a myth but the news seems not to have reached some parts of Herefordshire.

Large out-of-centre superstore developments never deliver the number of jobs they promise.

In fact, they cause a net loss of jobs due to their impact on other local businesses, suppliers and services. More than 270 jobs are lost when a new superstore opens (Porter and Raistrick study, 1998).

In recent years there have been articles in the national press about the “hollow job creation claims” of the supermarket giants.

Figures show that between 2008 and 2010 Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s pledged to create 67,000 new jobs.

They fell far short of this target, creating just 28, 217 jobs.

Leominster is not short of supermarkets.

Building yet another (very large) store on the outskirts would not help solve the town’s perceived problems. The retail reports indicated it would have an adverse impact.

Herefordshire Council was advised by independent consultants that Leominster town centre was generally in good health but was “vulnerable”.

I am glad the councillors heeded that advice and the advice of their own planning officers.

Supermarkets are part of modern life but the companies have proved to be quite predatory.

The planners have a duty to ensure balance.

JOHN CROWE Pierrepont Rd, Leominster