SIR – I only hope and pray that the food giant Tesco is refused planning permission for a new superstore in Ilkley.

This company already has one store in the town serving the community alongside a Marks and Spencer food outlet and some independent food shops.

One does not need second sight to prophesy if this company gets its greedy way, it will be the death of this small town and its independent traders.

These huge companies boast in their planning applications of the number of jobs (usually part-time) they will create in the area. Their figures are infinitesimal compared to the unemployment they create at retail, wholesale and manufacturing levels.

Short-term they do create jobs in the construction industry, but that is all, and usually these buildings are a blot on the landscape.

If Tesco succeeds in its application, as I’m sure it will. I strongly urge all shoppers, in the interest of Ilkley’s future, to boycott this store. Elaine Neale, Gordon Terrace, Idle