NEWS
Release: Immediate Monday 19' July 2004

From Robert Walter MP Member of Parliament for North Dorset

BOB WALTER MP SAYS WIMBORNE CRICKET GROUND SHOULD NOT BE NEW SUPERMARKET SITE

Robert Walter MP (North Dorset) today (Monday 10 July) announced preliminary findings of his latest survey of constituents in Wimborne showing overwhelming opposition to proposals to build a supermarket on the town centre cricket ground.

In response to the survey findings, and growing local opposition Bob Walter has condemned the yet to be published proposals as unacceptable. He points to the East Dorset Local Plan, published in 2002, which states quite clearly that the Open Space and Recreation Policy protects a number of sites including the cricket ground at Hanharn's Field.

Bob Walter's systematic survey seeks the views of all constituents on a rolling programme. The Wimborne survey launched last month asked a number of questions on both local and national issues. Views on the supermarket proposal were overwhelmingly against any development.

Speaking today, Bob Walter said:

"Open spaces in our town centres are an asset we should treasure. The Wirnborne Cricket ground is part of the town's unique character and heritage. East Dorset District Council got it absolutely right in the Local Plan when they said that this open space should not be developed.

"I support that policy. 1 support the overwhelming majority of Wimborne residents who want to keep this open space for the benefit of the town and future generations. The supermarket proposal has yet to reach the planners. When it does, it should be rejected as totally out of keeping and unacceptable.

"The local plan is about local democracy, and it is clear that there should be no development on this site. The democratic view of Wimborne residents expressed to me is that there should be no development here. 1 believe the voice of the people is clear - no supermarket on the cricket ground."

End