LET us not kid ourselves about Tesco's plan to expand the Elmer's End branch.

It was almost definite the expansion was going to happen.

So Tesco has cleverly given our stupid council officials an olive branch by offering to build a bus terminal, which will be about as useful as a hand-brake in a canoe.

I also wonder who got a backhander or a nice holiday somewhere.

Neither the council nor Tesco care about the traffic implications or residents.

Tesco are not interested in the man or lady hopping of the bus to buy a pack of bog rolls or a bottle of beer.

Just look at how many checkouts there are for the man or woman only wanting a bottle of beer just two.

They want the out-of-town housewives in 4x4 vehicles with the regulation six kids falling out and filling a trolley with processed junk.

It is an education to watch on a Saturday: dad with his beer belly and string vest clutching his six-pack of Tesco value lager.

When Tesco does finally build its megastore, there will be gridlock.

Finally as for Marks & Spencer and Waitrose. They have no worry.

You won't see beer bellies, cheap pink tracksuits and knackered 4x4 vehicles at these places.

Mike Steirn Address supplied