I READ with interest that grants are still available in Bishop Auckland to help businesses improve their premises in the Fore Bondgate area. I understand these were initially introduced in the wake of Asda’s arrival in the town to help small businesses compete.

Interesting that as the town’s new football ground rises, it is in the shadow of the new Tesco and Sainsbury’s supermarkets. What the council really needs to do is get Netto and the Co-Op to open new supermarkets in the town, to go with Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl and BMI Bargains. Maybe they could even persuade Ken Warne to move in, too?

Same number of shoppers, same amount of money. How many supermarkets do we need?

Paul Dobson, Bishop Auckland.