12:00pm Friday 24th February 2012
LEDBURY has been a town divided over the Sainsbury’s issue but now there are calls to heal the wounds.
No scenes of triumph or jubilation were seen outside Hereford Shire Hall, after LOTS (Ledbury Opposes Out of Town Superstore) supporters heard Herefordshire councillors reject Sainsbury’s planning application for a superstore in Ledbury.
LOTS supporter and trader, Annette Crowe, said she was still shaking with emotion at the result, but added: “An awful lot was riding on this decision, and we are so pleased that all the hard work of the LOTS supporters has been worthwhile. Now we need to work together as a community, to move Ledbury forward.”
Richard Hadley, chairman of LOTS said: “For eight months our town has been turned upside down by supermarket developers who wish to dominate trade here. We are aware that there is a desire among some local people for our town to offer a wider choice, particularly the needs of hard-pressed families.
“We hope that a constructive dialogue may now take place about our collective future.”
Colin Marschall of LESS (Ledbury Supports Sainsbury’s), who shook the hands of several LOTS supporters, said it was time for his group to step back and evaluate the situation.
But he added: “I still feel a store is necessary. I don’t think the planning committee really understands the dynamics of Ledbury. I hope that Sainsbury’s will appeal.”
© Copyright 2001-2013 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.ledburyreporter.co.uk
http://www.ledburyreporter.co.uk/trade_directory/