THE following is a letter I have sent to Forest Planners:
'I am writing to you having read the latest Midcounties Co-operative proposal which was posted through our door today. This urged recipients to write to you to oppose the Tesco proposal currently awaiting review. My purpose in writing is quite the opposite!
'I have with some incredulity watched the local press correspondence and listened to local people discussing this issue . It strikes me that this affair has taken on a life of its own. Instead of being about what is good for Cinderford and the surrounding area, it appears that it is more about appeasing one or the other powerful and wealthy national retailers, each of which have a vested interest in increasing their market share – and profit. I am sure that the one thing they have in common is that they have no altruistic desire to improve Cinderford!
'Regarding the Co-operative proposal, from what I have read and heard, and given that this issue has rumbled on for years, they have once again thrown a spanner in the works at the 11th hour, when the possibility of a Tesco success became a reality. The latest proposal from the Co-operative, as compared with the last proposal, received only two months ago, and the tone of the letter to which I refer, urging readers to "as soon as possible....write to the council to object to the Tesco proposal" smacks of increasing desperation. As to the proposal itself, why on earth should we pull down a functional Health Centre and adequate Library and rebuild on a new site (in the case of the Health Centre, 100 metres away) and to then build a new supermarket next door to the existing one? I suppose that the introduction of a pond makes all the difference? In terms of demolition and new building, it seems ecologically barmy!
'Regarding the Tesco proposal, whilst I welcome the location of a second major supermarket in Cinderford, I see no compelling reason for its placement 50 metres from the existing one, or indeed, in the town centre at all. Despite their protestations, there would inevitably be an impact on the already inadequate Dockham Road and approaches.
'Regarding the rugby club, I confess that I am not a supporter but I realise that many in Cinderford are. However, the club should be seen as yet another commercial enterprise and, perhaps with local and council support, should forge its own future rather than become a political football (no pun intended) within this debate.
'Regarding the town centre, both sides claim that local business will be unaffected – the Co-operative claim that their plan will actually help it. I find this an insult to my intelligence! Note also how the proposed 'Pedestrian way' neatly avoids half of the town's shops. Much of what I have seen and heard refers to the 'Co-op monopoly' position. Consider this; if the current Tesco proposal were to be approved, how long would it be before the smaller and less competitive Co-op move out of Cinderford? In a few years might we be complaining about the 'Tesco monopoly?'
'Perhaps we should look at a third alternative, going back to what I understand was the original Tesco proposal – to build on the Hollywood site, close to what is now the Valley Road industrial estate. I understand that this was rejected by central government many years ago. If the plan location were to be moved to the Valley Road Industrial Estate, in addition to the avoidance of congestion and further decline of commerce within the town centre, may begin to address the appalling dereliction evident from half way down the High Street, through Steam Mills, to the A4136. In terms of Cinderford regeneration, and local people, this would seem to be an obvious first priority. I have heard this quest often espoused, but never realised. It could even lead to further retail use of the lunar landscape which is the present industrial estate? A B&Q in the Forest? Think of the road miles and resultant pollution that would save! In addition, if the approaches were smartened up, people visiting might even venture into Cinderford Town?
'I realise that this would inject further delay but, with appropriate assurances, I'm sure Tesco could amend plans and resubmit reasonably quickly. Given the inordinate amount of time spent on this issue so far, a few months is insignificant and might actually produce a solution which is good for Cinderford?
'In common with many local tax payers, I am increasingly frustrated by the apparent impotence of local planning and, more profoundly, the neutering of local authorities by the central government machine and unelected quangos, which seems to progressively stymie local decision making.' – Chris Richardson, Dean View, Cinderford.