THE suggestion of Herefordshire Council cabinet to re-design the Hereford market area at the price of a new supermarket shows a sad incomprehension of what makes Hereford unique.

Hereford is a special city and one of its special qualities is its smallness. Because of this Hereford was spared the insensitive commercial developments of the last century which destroyed the townscape of Worcester and Gloucester. In consequence the peaceful tower of the cathedral presides over every radial street, giving Hereford a beauty and prestige that belongs to us all. What we have now is precious, should be safeguarded, and can be improved upon. It certainly cannot be replaced.

The cabinet philosophy, 'What can we get for nothing?' does no service to the city. Rather it should ask, 'What do we need'?

I suggest we need:

1. To bring tourists to Hereford, for the benefit of all traders.

2. Ready access by a user-friendly road approach to the cathedral, which is the main objective of most extra-county visitors. An impenetrable city centre will drive them away.

3. The encouragement of small specialist shops so that visitors spend money here.

4. A planning approach which is stringent about the height and design of inner city development.

5. An opening-up of the River Wye for the use of everyone.

6. A respect for the culture of Hereford. For example, a contemporary (and firesafe!) library, and farmers' markets (and preferably a livestock market too).

The anonymity of a London Borough should not be the model for Hereford. Every tourist has a supermarket at home (Herefordians have several to choose from). We do not need a Nunnery Wood (a white elephant anyway).

Hereford is special. Let us keep it so. Let us make it even more special. It doesn't need to be financed by commercial bribes. It needs commitment, determination, and an understanding that a small provincial city can yet be a star.

LANCE MARSHALL,

Whitecross Road,

Hereford.