You will all, by now be familiar with our bizarre battle with town planning policy, over the proposed Lidl store on Devonshire Road - just in case you're not, Lidl want to build a new store, on the site currently occupied by Feeney's Toyota dealership. The store will create 30-odd new jobs, will provide people in the area with somewhere to buy cheap, fresh fruit and vegetables, and fill a big gap in the market, as there isn't a similar shop within anything like walking distance.
Both ward councillors, the MP, and over 700 people who have signed petitions are in favour - the only objection has come from someone who doesn't even live in the area! At a recent planning meeting, all of the councillors (even the Tories) admitted that the scheme was desperately needed. So, guess what they did - that's right, they refused to give it permission! (Despite the fact that all the Labour Councillors on the Planning Committee supported us!)
You can follow the story using the following links to the Blackpool Gazette (who have provided excellent coverage, and printed a very supportive editorial)
here,
here,
here and
here!
As you will see, we've encouraged Lidl to submit a new application, dealing with the traffic situation which the Tories said were the big issue - hopefully when the application comes back, those Tory Councillors will keep their word and let us have the supermarket we so desperately need! Watch this space!
UPDATED 3rd MARCH 2008 - THE PLANNING MEETING WILL BE IN TWO WEEKS TIME - MONDAY 17TH MARCH - 5PM - BLACKPOOL TOWN HALL - COME ALONG AND SUPPORT OUR CAMPAIGN FOR A SUPERMARKET FOR BRUNSWICK!