HAVING just returned from holiday, I am a little behind with the local news.

Regarding the ‘Exciting shape of things to come,’ Guardian, July 13, my immediate reaction was that the plans had been devised by those from another planet.

Should Cheshire West and Chester Council not be aware, the country is experiencing a period of extreme austerity. Interestingly, neither the article nor in the information available at the Memorial Hall is there any mention of cost for the proposed scheme.

We have seven supermarkets in Northwich and for a study to conclude that there is ‘an unmet demand for food,’ presumably supermarkets, is unbelievable. Our politicians should look in the town and consider the number of empty premises and proliferation of charity outlets.

I am calling for a protest from residents who believe that, if the council coffers are so awash with surplus funds, the millions of pounds intended to finance this project should rather be expended on increased care for the elderly, assistance with schools expenditure and support for small business.

STEVEN BARRINGTON Antrobus