Chamber Not Convinced By Asdas New Store Proposals

Wed, 19 Dec 2007
 
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Melksham's Chamber of Commerce president has angrily hit back at Asda's suggestion that it overwhelmingly supports the retailer’s plans to build a new superstore on land off the A350.

John Escott argued the chamber still has serious concerns with the planning application and has made them known to Asda .

However, the UK’s second largest supermarket chain last week ignored the concerns by issuing a press release which stated they had the full backing of the chamber.

Mr Escott, of Gough's solicitors, commented: "We were clearly surprised then they did the press release saying the chamber was wholeheartedly in support of the proposals when they knew full well that we had potentially serious concerns about the logistics of it."

"That's not the position and we do have these concerns that we think should be addressed before the thing proceeds," he added.

A consultation meeting was held between the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses regarding the plans on September 17.

Following the meeting, the chamber’s chairman Colin Harrison again outlined his concerns to Asda in a letter which included; probable congestion resulting from the access from the A350; improved pedestrian access to encourage people to walk to the store ; and the lack of provision of transport links such as a bus service between the store, town, railway station and surrounding area.

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