Can I clarifiy my quote about an Asda supermarket for the east end of the town (Gazette, July 15).

I represent the Hardens and England areas but do not live in Hardens Mead.

In the past year many of the residents of Hardens, Pewsham, Wood Lane, London Road and elsewhere have expressed their opinions, to myself and to the newspapers, that they wanted Asda to come to the town.

Possibly because, as proposed, it would not be located in their back yard.

At the same time they complained about the lack of services and shopping in their part of town.

The benefits of building a supermarket in the east side of town would be as follows. Asda moving in there would supply the shopping needs and this, together with the spin-off of bringing other businesses to the area, would give a much needed boost to the town and provide hundreds of jobs.

The council owns land opposite Stanley Park which it could sell for a huge amount, helping council finances. The compulsory contribution that Asda would be required by law to pay could help towards the construction of a ring road which the expansion of the town may require and which would relieve the existing traffic problems.

I agree it will change the character of the area and there are a lot of people who will disagree.

Coun Bill Douglas, County councillor, Hardens and England, Town councillor, Park ward