Sir.-I feel I must respond to Mr Herbert's letter in last Friday's Gazette.

Firstly, I am very surprised Mr Herbert was not aware that the roadworks are the responsibility of Hampshire County Council and not Tadley Town Council, which, I hasten to add, is appalled at the length of time and inconvenience it has caused the people of Tadley and its businesses.

With regard to Tesco, it was given planning permission to build a store some time ago. However, the Government called the planning application in.

I understand that, before it was heard, Tesco withdrew it as it was advised to do so by its own legal council.

But at the planning inquiry, which is taking place now, Tesco has advised the inspector that it could build a store on the site and also housing.

Mr Herbert's letter also mentioned Sainsbury's and the store closing for six months. I can assure him that nobody was more shocked than the town council.

It is something that a good many people will never forget. I understand that some even refuse to go into the store because of that.

Again, it is something the town council had no control over. We did fight it, but to no avail.

I am sorry that Mr Herbert is not a "happy bunny", but we must remember what has been achieved in the town during the last 10 years - a swimming pool, new community centre, new day centre, new CAB and council offices, new library, and also a new graveyard, play areas, and we are working towards sports facilities for the town.

Some of this is the result of efforts by the town council and some is the result of the council working with others to achieve them.

Mr Herbert should be happy that the town council has been given this accolade instead of complaining or wondering how we go about it.

I would like to point out that he is welcome to attend and voice his concerns at the council meeting public open forums, held regularly throughout the year.

He could also, if he wished, stand as a councillor and try to make Tadley a better place, like the 16 present councillors are trying to do.

-Cllr David Leeks, The Copse, Tadley.

Sir.-I would like to comment on Mr Herbert's letter in last Friday's Gazette.

The award of Quality Status to Tadley Town Council and the three unsatisfactory events which he lists are totally unconnected.

Tadley Town Council has received this accolade, having satisfied standards set by an independent body which looked at standards, systems, communications, efficiency, service etc - in fact, everything within Tadley Town Council's control.

The "Tesco saga" arose because the office of the Deputy Prime Minister called in Tesco's successful application - at which point Tesco withdrew its application for the time being.

It was Sainsbury's decision to shut its store for six months - Tadley Town Council learned of this decision like everyone else from an article in the press.

The A340 roadworks problems are the responsibility of Hampshire County Council and its contractor.

Tadley Town Council has spent a great deal of time trying to influence the principals in all three cases, but at the end of the day, these bodies are autonomous and decisions as to their action or inaction ultimately rests with them - frustrating though that may be.

-Ron Darley, clerk, Tadley Town Council.