Be heard the light of the campaigning.

IN the light of the campaigning skills of the residents in Birkby and the progress that they have made, it is worth pointing out that another hot topic is up for debate.

The development of new superstores in and around Huddersfield has already proved hugely contentious. Tesco's plans to build on a derelict site on the outskirts of Holmfirth seem to have raised the temperature most.

Protesters and supporteRrs are already lined up and exchanging views and Examiner letter writers have been swift to express their opinions.

But it is the much quoted "silent majority" who are perhaps the key to the outcome of this project.

Supporters of giving Holmfirth a new superstore say that those who oppose the scheme are in the minority and that most people in the area would welcome a development which they argue would bring both shopping choice and job opportunities to the town.

The only real proof of that is for the "silent majority" to turn up at next Wednesday's planning meeting in Holmfirth and say what they really think.