Readers Letter

Thank you Allan Pemberton for your helpfully positive information and observations about Tesco stores. There are some interesting facts about the proposals in the current application from Tesco to NNDC that need airing:
It would not be a superstore, there would be 5 checkouts. It would be 30% smaller than Cromer Morrisons, on a site that doesn't allow space for later expansion. It would be an inclusive part of the town and not 'out-of-town', so encouraging shoppers to go into town. There would be a walk-through from the car park directly into Station Road. There would be 3 hour parking. Attractive landscaping along the Cromer Road would replace a tired looking area, which would be an asset for the Eastern Gateway into town. A modern Community Centre would be rebuilt close to schools and residential areas. The tired looking fire station would be re-sited and rebuilt. Traffic movement (having been extensively monitored already) would be managed with a right-hand turning lane and a small roundabout for the Cromer Road to avoid creating a congestion area. This application can be seen on NNDC website, www.northnorfolk.org

For your consideration:
We are fortunate that a top-quality supermarket has shown an interest and persisited so long in trying to give us what we need for the town. Yes, they need to have a successful business, we need to have a quality supermarket. For goodness sake don't let's lose this opportunity. A minority of business owners and some residents have made a big anti-supermarket noise, with self-protection (understandably) disguised as 'protecting the town'. They claim to be a majority, with falsely obtained figures and biased media coverage. But the town needs a supermarket, not a grocery store, a supermarket that will be used by residents who currently shop at a variety of supermarkets in other towns. These same residents also use the town shops. The pattern for many is to do one big weekly shop at a supermarket and to use the local shops during the rest of the week, because they simply can't get all the things they want for their"main shop" in Sheringham. They have to go elsewhere. We need a supermarket to make our town self-sufficient and also to bring in new, "year round" customers. Pro-supermarket residents find it difficult to speak out. Whilst shopping locally, they experience social pressure, with strong attitudes, and stickers, that seem to dare anyone to openly acclaim support for the supermarket. Which is sad, because I believe we want both and that the supermarket will actually boost a great many town shop sales, bringing new custom, and on a regular basis. Pro-supermarket residents, who are a majority, live in hope that those with the power to do something, take the right decision, and finally approve this ideal supermarket application, which would be to the benefit of the majority concerned. Yea Allan Pemberton, let's vote for democracy. Jennifer Mold

East Runton 'Friday Friends Group'

Come and check us out! Are you looking for something to do the last Friday in the month? If you have a disability, if you are an older person or spend a lot of time on your own, East Runton now has a small but very friendly social group, which meets the last Friday in the month. We meet in the Village Hall between 2pm and 4pm. Call in for a chat over a cup of tea, maybe enjoy a game of scrabble or a game of cards, maybe try your hand at a bit of art or craft. It's opportunity to make new friends. We look forward to seeing you.  For more information contact Terry Read 01692 500550