Letter: Telford & Wrekin Council should put Newport first
What on earth is going on with Telford & Wrekin Council? There are currently three applications doing the rounds for supermarkets in Newport.
This is patently more than this rural town could possibly accommodate.
Instead of looking at them in terms of what is best for the town and considering all three in one application, they are being dealt with singly and what a debacle it has turned out to be.
The Audley Avenue application for a small supermarket was initially refused because T&WC felt it would have a bad effect on the High Street. On appeal the application was granted and T&WC took this appeal decision to the High Court where the inspectors' approval was upheld.
T&WC has already stated that it is going to again challenge the High Court decision; cost to the taxpayers will be disclosed through of freedom of information. It must run into millions.
The reason for all this, T&WC own a site that they want Sainsbury's to build a huge supermarket on, which they allege will not affect the High Street, but will in fact put millions into the council's coffers, and it is a racing certainty that Newport people will feel no benefit.
This has potential to be one of the biggest financial disasters ever undertaken by T&WC and the Labour Party is accountable.
P Carter, Dawley Bank