Author Bill Bryson gives award to Oswestry anti-supermarket group
Campaigners against another supermarket for Oswestry say they are delighted to have won a national award for their efforts - but said the "big test" on whether those efforts were worthwhile will be if councillors ditch the plans.
Campaigners against another supermarket for Oswestry say they are delighted to have won a national award for their efforts - but said the "big test" on whether those efforts were worthwhile will be if councillors ditch the plans.
The Keep Our Town Special campaign has been awarded a prestigious Marsh Award from the Campaign to Protect Rural England.
Representatives from the group received the award from author Bill Bryson, chairman of the CPRE, at a ceremony in London on Thursday.
Among the group from the Keep Our Town Special campaign who attended the ceremony was Mike Bullen, who is also chairman of the Oswestry branch of the CPRE.
He said: "We have a great team of people campaigning in Oswestry.
"I'd particularly like to mention Charles Green, whose detailed technical analysis has shown that there is no case for a new superstore in a town already well served by supermarkets.
"We have always tried to be positive during the keep Oswestry special campaign, the main aim of which is to protect the local shops and markets.
Successful
"The campaign has been successful so far because we work so closely with local groups who are full of energy and ideas.
"The big test is coming up at the end of July when Shropshire Council will again consider the four planning applications.
"Our message is clear. None of these proposals will be good for Oswestry.
"We will be calling on county planners to support the fifth option, no more large scale retail development in Oswestry."
Andy Boddington, chairman of CPRE Shropshire, said: "In this case, a small group of volunteers have managed to form a coalition of local people and businesses to fight off the invasion of four corporate giants."
Mr Bryson said: "In my work with CPRE I have often been struck by the amazing dedication and commitment shown by our volunteers."
Four bids for a new store in Oswestry have been lodged and a decision will be taken by Shropshire Council on July 29.
Richard Burbidge Ltd wants to build it at Whittington Road.
J Ross Developments plan to build it on the Central Car Park.
Liberty Mercian is bidding to develop the store at the Smithfield livestock site on Shrewsbury Road.
And car firm JT Hughes and gutter firm Guttercrest want to build the supermarket on Victoria Road.
By Iain St John
