I write without shame as an incomer to the town. I have only been here as a full-time resident for 12 years.

We came to Helmsley because, as a glider pilot, I have been coming to Sutton Bank for over 50 years and we knew the area well. Helmsley has developed over the past 50 years and has become a vibrant tourist town but has not let tourism spoil or damage it – a credit to the people. Helmsley pretty well has got it right.

When we came we tried to help.

We have involved ourselves with the facilities of the town as trustees and as volunteers. The Town Hall is part of the heart of Helmsley and the main life of the town revolves around that centre. A Tesco or any other supermarket chain will kill the life of the small shops. What tourist will want to come and see a classicstyle building that would grace any French town centre which has become a supermarket?

There is a memorial to soldiers who were killed in the First World War on the wall of the Town Hall.

Do we really think they fought so that a faceless supermarket whose assets are in some tax haven could dominate their town?

A message to those who have lived here in Helmsley all their lives: “You have a gem. Don’t wreck it”. There are many ways to save the Town Hall and all avenues should be explored. With liquid assets in excess of £150,000, finding matchfunding for repairing the caretaker’s accommodation in a Grade II* listed building should not be a big problem and if it is, then go to a very willing population who have many talents and don’t be proud: Ask for help.

Nick Gaunt, Helmsley