7:00pm Sunday 14th March 2010
By Timothy John
AN ONLINE petition backing calls to declare the site of Wimborne’s new Waitrose store a town green has gained nearly 130 backers.
Petitioners from around the world have posted their support for a bid to have the former cricket pitch on Hanhams Lane given protected status.
Retired engineer John Baxendale started the petition after passing the construction site on Rowlands Hill.
“If you look at the artwork issued for public consumption, it looks as if the store occupies quite a small part of the site. But the reality shows that has been a complete misrepresentation,” said Mr Baxendale.
Petitioners from Holland, Spain, and America are among those who have added their names to the petition. Mr Baxendale said he was not surprised by the response.
“Wimborne belongs to the world, not just a few people who want to shop there.
“People visit the town and the folk festival and find it charming,” he said.
Lisle Hall posted his support from Massachusetts and said: “Sounds just like what happens in the States. Seems that, soon, the surface of the Earth will be nothing but a giant shopping mall.
“I hope you are successful.”
Fiona Castleton posted from Brighton to say: “Wishing your community every success in saving Wimborne Green from the scourge of another superstore.”
Campaigner Philip Atlay said he was delighted by the level of support shown for his application to Dorset County Council to have the site declared a town green.
If campaigners convince County Hall rights of way chiefs to declare the pitch a town green, Waitrose could face a legal challenge to return the site to its condition before building work started.
The petition will end on March 19 – the closing date for a public consultation by Dorset County Council to assess Mr Atlay’s contribution.
Dorset County Council’s roads and rights of way committee will make the final ruling on the application later this year.
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