THERE have been some recent surveys carried out by some Coleford residents involved in the planning inquiry regarding the Tesco store proposal in the town. The results, from questions put to a variety of people – residents, traders and visitors – have highlighted some interesting, if not unexpected, facts.

•The majority of people responding to the questionnaires do not want another supermarket in Coleford. This included an overwhelming majority of visitors questioned with some mentioning how it would spoil Coleford's appearance.

•Mixed use and some form of open space were high on the preferred alternative uses for the site, which is the last undeveloped open space in the town centre.

•If there was to be a supermarket, it appears that Tesco would not be the one of choice.

•The vast majority expect the smaller shops of the town to lose trade with the presence of another supermarket – not increase as Tesco have stated in their submissions. Some visitors quoted that damage was done to their own towns by the appearance of a supermarket.

•As would be expected, most of the traders were in opposition to another supermarket, a few thought that it would make no difference, while only a couple thought it would increase their trade. These, I presume, were from the few which would have no competition at all from a supermarket.

There were other interesting results from these surveys which, because of their significant sample sizes, hopefully will be taken seriously and will have some influence on the inspector at the inquiry.

As a local survey exercise for Coleford, these trump anything which the district council has done recently and highlight the wide gap between what the authority want, what the locals and visitors want and what is perceived as good for the town.

At the end of the day, if "localism" is to have any meaning at all, then our "planners" should take this opportunity to make use of this valuable insight before it is too late.

The Inquiry is due to re-start on Wednesday, June 5 at 10am and hopefully there will be a good attendance of Coleford residents.

– Walt Williams, Coleford