This suggestion seemed so preposterous that I did not really believe it would be entertained.

Having spoken to many people at the initial 'informal' meeting at the library I thought the reaction at that time would convince the planners to abandon their idea.

However, having read letters from the unnamed businessman I felt action was needed, I drew up a petition against the proposal and left it at a local shop for a very short time.

I have just sent this petition with 70 signatures to the Planning Department with a summary of the reasons why people in Chatteris do not want, or need this 'in town' supermarket.

The proposed site is in a Conservation area with only five remaining large trees protected by preservation orders.

The plans do not reflect the true footprint of those areas fenced for the trees. Following the devastation which a huge individual building and tarmac would bring, the beautiful wildlife in the area would disappear. Listed walls would be removed. peaceful enjoyment for all the surrounding properties would cease.

This site is on the doorstep of local shops and services. With a new, large supermarket and restaurant those businesses will disappear.

With the best of intentions customers will not walk/drive to local stores if they can buy everything under one roof!

Refrigeration and air conditioning will be working all day, even if, initially, the store is not actually open 24 hours.

Car parking and congestion are a main issue. Staff working at the site would either use customer spaces or they would park in the neighbouring roads.

There is little parking for the residents in the town centre already. With heavy traffic, articulated lorries, refuse trucks etc and customers entering and turning in a small road like New Road, the area would become a nightmare for drivers and in particular, for pedestrians. Weight restrictions at New Road are already ignored.

The number of children attending the two primary schools and the large secondary school is increasing.

Their safety must be paramount. Their lives will be put in danger with the huge increase in traffic in an already busy town. With several routes in and out of Chatteris the impact and danger of this pollution is widespread.

The list goes on. We live in Chatteris because we enjoy the relaxed way of life provided by a small country town, with its own hub of cafes, garden nurseries, post office, public houses, off-licences, the supermarkets we already have and our quaint side streets. Please allow us to continue to enjoy our surroundings as they are.


C BRYANT
Chatteris