It is hard for planners to justify turning down permission for job creation schemes.

This concern no doubt weighed heavily when consent was given to two out-of-town schemes, the Rawreth Lane Asda and the B&Q at Fossetts Farm. Between them, the two stores are estimated to be worth around 450 new jobs.

Yet claims about job creation should not necessarily be swallowed whole. New vacancies at superstores have to be balanced against jobs lost to smaller town centre businesses.

Planners must remain vigilant in protecting our high streets. Yet the Rawreth Asda and Southend B&Q were clearly wanted by the public. Furthermore, the evidence of recent years does suggest traditional high streets can co-exist with out-of-town superstores, providing they are not overwhelmed by too many giants.

The big retailers remain relentless in their drive to create ever more out-of-town sites. Planners must be just as forceful in their resistance to excessive encroachment - however many jobs these giant stores profess to offer.

BILLY, HELP US BRAG!

Billy Bragg has railed against many people, ideas and places in his time as a protest singer, yet there is one subject he never has a bad word for - Essex.

His contribution to the booklet Real Essex is an extended lyric of praise and love for Essex, and especially the Southend seaside.

Given his fondness for the town, we should enlist Billy's talents to help Southend in its competitive battle with rival seaside resorts.

So, Billy, how about a protest song blasting Brighton's soggy chips, or Great Yarmouth's pathetically short pier?