Some 209 have so far backed
the petition – addressed to Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King and senior managers –
which says: “Having obtained planning permission, you boarded up our leafy,
affluent, village at the end of 2011.
“You promised us village regeneration
including a GP surgery. Please follow through on these promises.”
The firm last month said work
would not start in the “year ahead” because of the downturn in the economy.
The petition – backed by a
Facebook page and Twitter account – says: “This isn't only a story about
Dorridge - it's about supermarket CEOs and their social conscience - and it's
about the law. Supermarkets CAN do this. Buy up a town, board it up and leave.
“If you are sick of our
supermarkets, fed up of Boarded-Up Britain and want to see them governed by
law, which means Supermarkets can no longer do what Sainsburys have done in
Dorridge, please sign this petition. It is only with your help that we can say
no. Enough is enough.”
Moreton in Marsh,
Gloucestershire resident Steve Pomeroy wrote: “I am not impressed with the
Sainsbury's approach to engagement to local communities and whole heartedly
support the Dorridge residents in their campaign.”
Dorridge resident Paul
Colbert said: “Dorridge is starting to look like inner city Liverpool in the1980's thanks to Sainsbury's.”
Villager Margaret Thompson said:
“I have lived in Dorridge for 43 years and supported Sainsbury's plans to
redevelop its centre and bring it back to life.
“I am now embarrassed by the
dominant eyesore in the village and sad and disappointed that Sainsbury's have
abandoned the community.”
The Private Eye article – in
the In The Back section – recounts how the firm was refused permission by
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council for a larger store than given permission
for a smaller scheme, including an extended and Dorridge Practice.
