AS a conservationist, I am one of the many people who feels the new Tesco store in central Hove is a monstrosity and spoils what was once an area with character.

When I read Tesco was giving traders £100,000 to spend on environmental improvements to make up for the disruption caused during the development (The Argus, October 15), I felt sad and sickened.

Tesco has done its damage and planting a few trees, adding lighting and improving the toilets opposite Woolworths as suggested by Keith Bryden, the chairman of Hove Business Association, won't bring back what has been lost.

The many trees on the old gasworks site were habitat to many birds and now they have gone.

Trees in St Andrews Church grounds were also pollarded to open up space.

This included an extra large tree which was habitat to much wildlife. I have since heard this tree was "diseased and dangerous" but I doubt this.

Large businesses need to learn that no amount of money can make amends when they destroy nature with their developments.

-Gloria Wheatcroft, Hove