Supportive of regeneration (From Braintree and Witham Times)

Supportive of regeneration

4:35pm Thursday 4th December 2008

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In reply to Mandy Smith (Times, November 26), I’d like to clarify a few points.

I’m fully supportive of Mr Ryland or anyone else who recognises that Witham is in need of regeneration, modernisation, call it what you will.

I pointed out that I feel some of his ideas are wide of the mark.

About a supermarket in Kings Chase: might I suggest that a lot of the Co-op deliveries would be made by courier from Newland Street. On the occasions I’ve seen a delivery made via Kings Chase, it’s been by a rigid box-type vehicle.

There is a whole world of difference between dropping off a few sofas from a van and round-the-clock food deliveries made by huge articulated lorries.

Supermarkets have scant regard for their neighbours – I should know, it’s the game I’m in. I would suggest that Newland Street would not be able to support another supermarket. It would spell the end for many shops in the town.

I think we should think more about much-needed leisure facilities, a cinema, bowling alley or a restaurant/diner. This would be far more suited to any spare land in Kings Chase.

Let me clarify my position on Newlands Precinct once and for all: yes, I agree with Ms Smith that there are excellent independent retailers there. The butchers and greengrocers, not to mention the pet shop, are all outstanding examples of what makes a small town like Witham tick but, Ms Smith, you cannot tell me they are located in pleasant surroundings.

Demolition would cause untold disruption, but other towns seem to manage it. After all what’s the alternative – do nothing?

Nothing has been happening in Witham for far too long. It is time for Witham folk to stand up and be counted and tell these councillors what we want for our town, instead of them telling us what we want.

STEVE THOMAS

Witham

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