IN bygone days, Worcester was the home of a rich diversity of manufacturing. The city was, indeed, the glove capital of the planet. Now all those firms have either closed down or moved elsewhere.

The old railway marshalling yards lie derelict. In regard to central government administration, one department has already forsaken Worcester while the remaining one seems somewhat opposed to industrialisation at Grove Farm.

So what the Worcester got? Of course, we are a dormitory for Birmingham, Hereford, Cheltenham and other towns, including London. We are a tourist centre of sorts, geographically situated somewhere between York and Bath.

Without doubt the Faithful City's strength and ultimate "naison d'etre" lies in retailing.

Some years ago the mail order giant, Kay's was the subject of criticism because of alleged disturbance caused by huge vehicles transporting its merchandise. This was a mistake.

The company could easily, have transferred its entire operation to Manchester.

Now four giant supermarket chains either seek representation, or to increase existing presence, in our city, we should be gratified by such interest and roll out the red carpet. Instead we have opposition.

Citizens of Worcester awake from your slumbers. The welfare of your city is at stake.

D E MARGRETT,

Worcester.