IT IS a victory for the ordinary people of Dartford the Government communities secretary, Ruth Kelly, has rejected the Dartford regeneration plans (What Next For Centre Of Town?, News Shopper, August 2).

Such a massive development would have had a far-reaching environmental impact, as well as affecting other businesses in the area.

When any supermarket chain moves in on an area, independant shops close and the chains move in, creating just another clone town.

Although Tesco has been refused permission to build a new Dartford store, campaigners would be wise not to breathe a sigh of relief.

Tesco is a massive machine and rarely gives up until it gets it wants.

I agree Dartford does need some sort of regeneration around the Lowfield Road area.

But I believe this should be done sensitively and with due regard for the heritage of the area.

Dartford Council was over the moon with the huge pot of cash which would have no doubt been forthcoming from Tesco, which would have contributed to clone town blandness.

As I was born in Dartford, I have a keen interest in future development plans and hope some of the heart and soul of the town is preserved for the future.

Lowfield Street is on a flood plain and any future flooding could result in Britain's first underwater Tesco.

K M MOLLOY

Gravesend