I REFER to the letter from J Rideal, Not Another Shop (November 29).

I like her ideas but the Co-op is not that forward thinking nor interested. The council does not own this site. We can negotiate on changes of use and offer suggestions, but we cannot force the owner to do anything.

As a Leytonstone ward councillor I have met the owners of the former Pioneer store on a number of occasions.

I have been arguing for a scheme for this site, which would include family-orientated leisure facilities such as a bowling alley or cinema.

The Co-op made it clear that it wished to maximise the revenue potential of the site and this was not a goer. Two sets of plans discussed with the council included a number of small retail outlets and around 200 residential units, something that was fiercely resisted.

The Co-op then entered into negotiations regarding the siting of a medical centre on a part of the site. This would have been something that we could support, because of the obvious benefits it would bring.

At the end of the day the site has permission to operate as retail operation and therefore Matalan can operate there. With the proposed 50 to 80 jobs it is bringing with it, I think it is something that, while not our ideal solution, is certainly better than what was on the table.

CLLR CLYDE LOAKES,

Leytonstone Ward