Store bid site vital to Newport, inquiry told

Resident Janet Clarke described land off Station Road in Newport as the town's 'focal point for family enjoyment' and said it should be 'preserved for future generations'. She was speaking yesterday at a public inquiry being held to determine whether the area should be reclassified as a village green.

Resident John Rudd made the application to reclassify the land in an attempt to block plans for a 50,000 sq ft Sainsbury's supermarket on the site.

The land is owned by Telford & Wrekin Council which opposes the bid. The authority stands to gain £21 million in land sales if the supermarket goes ahead.

But if the village green application is successful the land will be forever protected from development.

Mrs Clarke, of Station Court, said: "I have used this area of land since I moved to Newport 19 years ago. Having moved from Northampton we were surprised at the lack of accessible public land in Newport.

"On a neighbour's recommendation my husband and I started using the field with our two sons who were aged five and three at the time.

"Since that day our entire family has used the area almost on a daily basis."

She added: "The area is a vital and safe community amenity."

Charmaine Briscoe, of Oak Avenue, said it was 'ideal' for educational activities. She added: "I was a registered childminder from 2001 to 2006. I used the fields daily for nature walks, to ride scooters and tricycles and to play games. It is perfect for education activities."

The first witnesses for Telford & Wrekin Council will be called tomorrow.

They include estates and investments manager Alan Fox and farmer Mike Bubb.

The hearing at the Royal Victoria Hotel in Newport, continues.