Who are the KWTG?
Hello fellow Wimburnians. I have been reading the various debate threads with interest (and sometimes sheer incredulity) and have finally been riled enough to join up! Another poster summed up the debate very well; questioning exactly who Mr Atlay and his merry bunch (all three of them, judging by the posters on here) claim to represent? Of course, most of us suffered some trepidation when the Waitrose plans were announced and probably more so when the building started - but now? Well, I can't afford to shop there all the time (!) but we now have a smart, friendly store (and let's be honest. If it had to be a supermarket, we got the best one!) and a lovely, central open space! Plans are afoot for entertainment on the green in the future and the store manager is bending over backwards to work successfully with the Chamber of Trade. This all has to be a plus for our town!
The "town green" argument is, as has been discussed, patently absurd under almost every aspect of the legislation. i would propose that the nimby KWTG retirees hold another survey - to ascertain public support for their expensive objections? I can't see it being exactly overwhelming, frankly.
I would urge people to write to the County Council objecting to the "town green status" application - every letter will move the council closer to being able to simply throw the proposal out without the unnecessary expense mentioned elsewhere.
I really would be interested to know who these KWTG people actually are - I have a horrible suspicion that they will turn out to be recently retired grockles who have no real clue what it's been like living in a town with a useless supermarket for the last goodness knows how many years. At least Mr Atlay is a resident - well, at the weekends....

By wimbornelad at 14:55 on 24/10/10

Re-post

The thing I have never understood is in the council's own reports they declared they received the same amount of letters in complaint to Waitrose being built as they did in support. Exactly the same amount!!! I can't remember what that number was, but it seems obvious to me that the majority of residents were not in favour of the store, so why was planning permission given? If the town was so equally split on the issue it should have been debated further rather than just assuming that it was OK to go ahead.

On that grounds, and that grounds alone, I think KWTG have every right to challenge the decision.

By DomCar at 09:52 on 27/10/10
Report
But the entire town green argument is fatally flawed - the legislation clearly states that the land in question has to have been in continuous public use - absolutely untrue for the former cricket pitch. I think most people just think it's time to move on. As to the comment about opinion, well try your responses to the following questions:
1. Would you agree that Wimborne is lacking a decent supermarket and could do with another?
2. Are you happy for the cricket pitch to be built on?
Simplification, of course, but most people would answer "yes" to the first and "no" to the second - almost anything can be proved with a well-phrased survey. I should know, I set up the town council one about ten years ago!

By wimbornelad at 10:55 on 27/10/10
Report
Well done Waitrose!!!!!
Maybe Mr Atley and his band of friends would like to fund the public inquiry
and if they win claim costs.
If they lose using public funds will they have to pay costs????????????????

By amerillo at 14:48 on 21/11/10
Report
Absolutely loving the new Waitrose. And anyone who tells me that it's expensive needs someone to tell them how to shop! The brand of bread that I buy is 28 p CHEAPER in Waitrose than in Somerfield, and they price match with Tesco and Sainsbury's on most national brands. And now I can walk to do my shopping and leave the car at home - and save the environment.

By aussie_pamela at 15:41 on 02/12/10
Report