Much has been written in the letters page of the Echo regarding the recent application of Tesco to relax and vary condition five of their very recently accepted planning approval.

Condition five was placed on the application to safeguard the many businesses, small but vital, in maintaining the quality, tenor and character of life in and around Easton.

It was thus reassuring to the many people in the local community who were strongly opposed to, or, at least very uneasy, about the arrival of Tesco at Bottomcoombe.

The newsagents in Easton supply a wider service than selling newspapers and magazines, the delivery service they provide is a vital part of this community shop, which enjoys the trust and respected of its customers. This is an important segment of the web and fabric of a balanced community.

All the local businesses are facing trading difficulties in the present climate and unemployment is increasing among us.

On the other hand Tesco has just posted their profits for the last six months - £1.4 billion.

This company has dominance of the market place and profit as its main driving force.

The selling of newspapers and magazines at Bottomcoombe will be a minimal contribution to the store’s overall income, even less to Tesco massive yearly profits.

Should their application be granted the effect on local businesses could be very detrimental - and also on the whole local community.

We feel that this application does not augur well for the future behaviour of this international store on Portland.

Is this the first ‘creep’ to acquire further relaxation of the planning approval?

Mr & Mrs J Cranny, Grove Road, Portland.