All power to Dick Turpin's elbow in his campaign to encourage an oriental supermarket in York. I fear that the present situation seems to reflect the classic Catch 22 in which people cannot buy oriental products because there is no oriental supermarket therefore there is no demand.

This absurd situation results in people having to seek supplies elsewhere - in my case even to the extent of bringing some back from America as I did this very week.

The response of the Chinese waiter alleging not enough Chinese people in York is as ridiculous as suggesting there are not enough Indians to support the number of Indian restaurants.

Supermarkets like Tesco for example will point to their specialist aisles of Indian, Chinese, Italian, Tex-Mex convenience products but anyone who has visited true oriental supermarkets will know that this is but a pale imitation of the wide variety of fresh and prepared products - as well as implements - obtainable at favourable prices that warm the heart as much as the produce charms the taste buds.

Meanwhile many York citizens live in ignorance of what they are missing while others spend their money further afield in a quest for the variety which many other cities take for granted.

Ivan E Broadhead,

Middlethorpe Grove,

York.

...YES - I would very much like a Chinese supermarket in York (Dick Turpin, October 2). I spent 30 years in Hong Kong and cook "Chinese" almost every day.

I'm nearly 80 and too old to go charging off to Leeds to shop - though I usually have a first class dim sum there.

G Luddington,

Little Lane,

Easingwold.

...I DO agree with your comment. We people of York and surrounds desperately need an Oriental/Indian supermarket. Also we should be able to buy bunches of herbs on vegetable markets and in supermarkets.

Mrs E H Frudd,

Pear Tree Avenue,

Upper Poppleton, York.

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