AS in all epic adventure stories the hero comes to the rescue in the nick oftime. In this case the hero was Gloucestershire Highways. And with their decision to throw out the Tesco bid Cinderford can now breathe a sigh of relief.
But not everyone is happy.
Councillor Norman Stephens is appalled and thinks that the decision makes the council look unprofessional. No, Norman, the council has already proved itself to be unprofessional by backing Tesco in the first place.
A much-miffed Cllr Lyn Sterry wanted the county council/highways department to foot the bill. But, let's face it Lyn, if the Tesco bid had been seriously discussed (and common sense prevailed) then the bid would have been booted out of the rugby club ground a long time ago.
It amazes me that the council (supposedly made up of intelligent people serving the community) still believes that Tesco will turn the town of Cinderford around.
Are they blinkered not to understand that the average Tesco shopper drives to the store, buys everything (including their petrol) and then drives home?
Haven't they grasped the fact that a Tesco shopper doesn't wander the high street supporting local retailers after completing their weekly shop as the Regeneration Committee sadly believes?
Haven't they understood that 379 residents out of 500 actually voted against Tesco when the plans went on public display?
No, the council needs to get its head around the fact that Tesco sucks the life-blood from every community that it opens a store in. That it grabs trade for itself and forces smaller independent outlets to close.
Today our community is under threat. We have swine flu. And we have Tesco.
Luckily, most of us will recover from swine flu! – C. A. Sinden, Cinderford resident.