How encouraging it is to hear the community voice being raised so effectively to defend Malton’s shopkeepers and residents (The Press, September 14).

Coming from the small rural town of Bridport in Dorset, I see many similarities in the issues Malton’s residents face from the loud knock of the multinational at their doors.

While Bridport has a Morrisons, Co-op, Waitrose and, more recently, a Lidl, it has maintained its proud local produce markets and managed to keep its identity and appeal.

However, at the first hint of a Tesco or similar to the already saturated market, I’m sure the residents would mount a steady protest.

So keep up the fight, Malton, I wish you every success!

Philip Jach, York.