'Desperate times ahead' From Paul Sousek: HOW wonderful to read your report on the apparently very successful 'question time' event at? Launceston?College. It is a great example on how to involve young people in politics and community issues. Events like these demonstrate that young people are very willing to get involved, as long as they are approached appropriately. The 'Question Time' idea could perhaps be extended to a regular event for both the young and the not so young residents of North?Cornwall as a means of keeping their democratic representatives informed of the pressing issues in the community, as well as of course providing an opportunity to spread knowledge and learn from others in the forthcoming ­turbulent times. As many people will know by now,?Cornwall as well as the UK as a whole and indeed the whole world, is about to enter a deep crisis comparable only to the great depression of the 1930s. The cause of the depression will be oil depletion. World oil production is not increasing despite the record prices oil is reaching (up from $20 to almost $100 in three years). For any other commodity such a large increase in price would quickly result in an increase in production and a gradual decrease in the commodity price. But not oil — why not, you may ask. The simple answer is that world production can no longer keep increasing. Indeed, within a short period of time, world wide oil production will begin to decline. And that will have dramatic consequences for all our lives: much higher fuel prices, much higher food prices, much higher transportation costs, distribution costs, utility costs, cost of manufacturing of chemicals, fertilisers, but also everyday articles, such as clothing/furniture and household appliances will all cost much more than we are used to paying. These highly inflationary trends will be accompanied by a property slump, rapid stock market retreat, pension crisis and much greater unemployment. Many towns and regions are beginning to prepare for these desperate times ahead through the 'transition' movement — that is transition to low energy, low carbon and localised future. There is much to discuss and much to understand and regular events such as 'Question Time' would help greatly in familiarising both the politicians and the public with the challenges ahead. Jacobstow.

'Unlimited building' From?Brian Saunter: I READ with interest your article 'Concerns about proposed Tesco extension' (the 'Post', November 22) and noted Town Councillor Connie Geach's observation about the size of the population?Tesco has to pull on. I wholeheartedly agree with her but would hasten to add that North Cornwall District Council in obedience with this government's policy are allowing unlimited building in our lovely old market town so there will be sufficient population to warrant Tesco's extension. Lezant, Launceston. SEE the current Cornish & Devon Post Series for more letters. If you have an opinion about local issues, including the Tesco expansion and the extension of Morrison's at Bude, then let us know by writing to Tindle House, Westgate Street, Launceston PL15 7AL or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]