The new Tesco store in Hove was publicly welcomed by Ivor Caplin MP.

He dismissed concerns that the arrival of this retail giant would result in loss of trade for local shops and gave the store his full backing.

Mr Caplin's lack of foresight is now all too evident as local traders suffer great losses.

The Co-op has been dealt a particularly devastating blow and one wonders about its survival.

Yet Mr Caplin professes to uphold co-operative principles. I wonder where his groceries come from. I've never seen him in the Co-op.

-Kathy Hackman, Hove