Is the threat of Tesco in Helmsley really the death knell for the town? If claims that 95 per cent of the townsfolk do not want the store are true, then if these people do not shop there such a store would lose money and close.

The only realistic threat of a Tesco store in Helmsley would be to the other two small supermarkets. Helmsley shops offer something different that Tesco cannot offer and that is what appeals.

As a regular visitor to Helmsley I would not shop in Tesco. As for claims that Tesco would open the floodgates for other chains, what rubbish. Chain stores target larger towns with bigger populations.

Look at Leyburn, Bedale, Masham, Boroughbridge and Kirkbymoorside, all of a similar size and population to Helmsley and all devoid of chain names. Even towns double the size and population of Helmsley, such as Stokesley and Easingwold, are too small for the chains.

If townsfolk want to help the shops of Helmsley then surely a campaign about the planned axing of the bus to and from York should be launched. As a car-less regular visitor to Helmsley, the planned bus cuts will leave many people unable to get to the town to spend money. That will affect every business.

Dale Edwards, Bootham, York


Sadly, I was unable to attend the recent meeting about Tesco held in the church, in Helmsley, and not in the town hall, which I think would have been the right place to hold the meeting.

From what I have heard, the church was filled with anti-Tesco supporters.

I have lived in Helmsley all my life and if you had asked me 40 years ago, does Helmsley need all the cafés and tourist shops we have now, I would have said no, but, like everyone else, I have moved on and in this case everyone must do the same. I do not remember if there was this carry on when Costcutters came to Helmsley, but I think not.

I remember a few years ago there was an objection to a plan submitted by a shop wanting to extend its premises by adding a glass cover over some spare land and when people objected, a member of the public said: “The people of Helmsley are sepia minded and should move on.”

The town hall committee is making a good job of what it is doing, and if it sees fit to bring Tesco or any other national retailer in to the building, the committee has my support and that should be said of everyone. Come on, give them the help they need to help run our beloved town hall. After all, competition is healthy for business.

Alan Pyle, Helmsley