Sir,

As the proprietors of three of the principal food stores on Narberth High Street, we feel that it is important to set the record straight regarding the Co-op supermarket proposed for our town.

Various statements have been publicised on the Co-op's behalf claiming a number of so-called benefits that it would bring.

One such claim is that Co-op stores have a reputation for supporting local suppliers; this is so completely false that it is scandalous.

Narberth, as a town, prides itself on its varied traditional stores and has, in recent years, built a reputation as a centre of excellence for food shopping.

Much of Narberth's well-publicised success is due to retailers' insistence on using local suppliers and refusal to go down the corporate road.

In our three stores alone we support well over 100 local suppliers and a great many more serve the other stores in our town.

A recent paper, the Narberth Commercial Vision 2010, has identified the quality of Narberth's various food outlets, their key importance to the town's prosperity and the essential part that local producers play in this.

For this reason, we believe that the Co-op's record in their nearby stores is more relevant than their extravagant claims.

Having studied the offering in the Co-op's of Whitland and Kilgetty, it is clear that they have a policy of centralised buying with no consideration whatsoever for the local economy.

This should come as no surprise of a supermarket chain, however, it does rather contradict their absurd claim to be an ethical organisation that supports local communities.

One example is the story of Laugharne Bakery. This small bakery used to supply the Co-op in Whitland during its days as a Spar store.

When it was taken over by the Co-op, their contract was terminated, despite a storm of protest from the people of Whitland.

It is no longer possible to buy any local bread in this shop, however, Laugharne Bakery bread can instead be found in another Whitland store. It can only be hoped that this fact is reflected in the shopping choices of the residents of Whitland.

Unlike the Co-op, we don't simply expect you to believe our claims. Come into the stores of Narberth and ask us about our local suppliers and producers; we are confident in our record. Then try asking the same questions in a Co-op supermarket. A few local companies like Princes Gate or Rachels Dairy manage to grow sufficiently for some large supermarkets to stock their products. But what of the fledgling businesses or those that choose to stay small?

The many food businesses of Pembrokeshire are an essential part of our economy of which we should all be proud. They will not survive unless they are supported by both retailers and their customers. Any store not prepared to do so doesn't deserve your custom.

   

Spar, Costcutter and

Wisebuys stores, Narberth