IF the failed supermarket building in Crediton High Street can be turned into a successful social enterprise-run pannier market, this will be great news for Crediton and of real economic benefit.

Local independent shops offer three times the number of jobs as the main supermarkets for the same retail spend and local food producers employ 50 per cent more workers than larger scale farms.

A new market can provide an outlet for local products and services delivered by local independent businesses, using a supply chain closer to home and will benefit all of us.

As work in progress elsewhere in the County suggests (see http://bit.ly/13iMOLH">http://bit.ly/13iMOLH ) it's people-based, community-led, sustainable economic development that provides new livelihoods.

At the same time, it helps ensure we can feed ourselves, minimising fuel bills and carbon emissions too.

John Skrine

Chair

Sustainable

Crediton