SIR – I was extremely please to read (T&A, December 17) that councillors have rejected plans by Tesco to build a store in the village.

In the 11 years that I have been trading in the village, I can honestly say that the village is more commercially diverse than I have ever seen it.

Different businesses have been opening and staying for some time, offering a massive choice for people.

There is no doubt in my mind that had Tesco been allowed to go ahead with its development it would have destroyed the commercial viability of the village.

While I am sure Tesco would not have been offering shoe repairs or engraving, my business and other businesses would not survive in an empty village.

Queensbury can now look forward to maintaining the character of the High Street and the commercially-viable future.

Bernard Kearns, Queensbury Village Cobbler & Engraving Centre, High Street, Queensbury, Bradford