SIR – Re ‘Scrapyard is best site for new Shipley superstore’ (T&A, 26 June). We represent the people living close to the proposed development.

The impact of even more traffic on the nearby streets of the Hall Royd Area, which is already blighted by speeding and rat-running to the other supermarket in the vicinity, has barely been considered by consultants WYG, and air and noise pollution, worse congestion and the safety of the children who live and attend school in the area are huge causes of concern.

A superstore is not the “exceptional justification”, as stated in the Shipley and Canal Road Area Action Plan, for the displacement of local employer Crossley Evans, which protects parts of its site for wildlife and uses the railway. Contrast the latter with the estimated 2,000 tonnes of carbon and countless vehicle journeys that will replace it.

The impact on the economic viability of the town centre would be catastrophic. Far from benefiting from ‘spin-offs’, the location and the everything-under-one-roof nature is more likely to sound the death knell for Shipley’s shops.

We would urge councillors to listen to the voices of local people and focus on supporting our community by – if such a thing is actually needed – considering the potential for a smaller food store in the centre, not at the edge, of our town.

Helen White, on behalf of Hall Royd Area Residents’ Association, Shipley