Aldi Campaign Gathers Momentum

It was wet and windy but this didn't deter protesters from gathering to show their opposition to the proposed location for an Aldi store in Epsom

With objections now running into the hundreds, some 80 local residents are amongst those determined that the old dairy site in Alexandra Road, located on a hazardous 5-way junction and in a residential area, is just not suitable for a supermarket.

However, views are wide-ranging. Many of those objecting ARE in favour of the store being located on the old Tesco site in Upper High Street.

Others don't want a foodstore at all. Some, who support the scheme, have suggested the road junction should be improved to deal with the congestion. According to a survey of the online objections, most in support of the foodstore do not live nearby.

A study by the Institute of Economic AffaIrs (IEA) entitled "Seeing Red : Traffic Controls and the Economy" has recently concluded that traffic lights INCREASE congestion and that Britain would be better off if the government ripped out 80% of traffic lights. The hazardous 5-way junction does allow traffic to flow freely and strangely has a rather good safety record considering its complexity - probably because drivers have to take extreme care.

Objections can still be registered online at epsom-ewell.gov.uk. The borough council is due to decide on the planning application at its Planning Committee meeting on Thursday 10th March. Proceedings can be viewed from the public gallery and the meeting begins at 7.30pm. Contact Julie Morris jorrisam@aol.com for more information.