A CAMPAIGN to reduce fuel prices in St Neots to bring them in line with nearby towns was ridiculed by town councillors last week. Motorists using the Tesco store in Barford Road often pay more for fuel than customers at the supermarket s other Cambridgesh

A CAMPAIGN to reduce fuel prices in St Neots to bring them in line with nearby towns was ridiculed by town councillors last week.

Motorists using the Tesco store in Barford Road often pay more for fuel than customers at the supermarket's other Cambridgeshire filling stations.

On Monday, Tesco in Ramsey was selling unleaded petrol for 112.9p a litre, while the store in St Neots was charging 115.9p - unusually the same as Huntingdon.

In a bid to get a fairer deal, Councillor Steve Van de Kerkhove asked for the issue to be discussed by St Neots Town Council, but had to withdraw the item.

Cllr Paul Ursell said the council might as well discuss the price of hot cross buns for the good it would do.

"I cannot see the point of discussing petrol prices or any other prices for that matter. Prices are controlled by market forces not parish councils who cannot influence the price let alone force retailers to reduce them," he said.

Cllr Barry Chapman said money was tight for many people and petrol was not top of their concerns: "People should be campaigning to help those who cannot afford bread."

But Cllr Van de Kerkhove said he would continue his campaign.

"Tesco is a big company and they should be leading by example. I know it is a bit like David and Goliath but if we are being treated unfairly we need to speak up."

Tesco said it operates a local pricing policy for stores and aims to be competitive.