Page 7 - Phonebox Magazine May 2008

HAVE YOUR SAY
Letters
Dear Editor
May I please add to the correspondence concerning the opening of a Tesco’s ‘Finest’ store on the Market Square. Unfortunately, it is not a question of planning permission being granted by the Council (Olney or MK). Turner’s shop had a retail licence and Tesco (or anyone else) is able to take over that licence without seeking authority. Planning permission is only required if food is to be prepared on the premises and we can guarantee that our dear friends at Tesco will make sure that they do not!
The only way for those of us who are not thrilled by the proposed arrival to show our displeasure is to boycott the store. Of course, as this is a democratic society it is very possible that many Olney people will be pleased at the prospect and the shop will become another cash-generating machine for what, for me, is the most aggressive and unpleasant of all the supermarkets.
However, this could well mean that, sadly, McColl's could be forced to close due to diminished returns, causing the possible disappearance of the Post Office (assuming that the government won’t have shut that down already!). Tesco will then promptly extend into there and the Co-op will be under an even greater threat.
That may prompt an outcry but it will be a case of shutting the door after the horse has bolted.
A small comment on a different topic:
The debacle of the excavations in Weston Road. After the first couple of months' work, I asked one of the men working there how much longer he expected the work to take. He replied that it depended entirely on how long it took the Council to determine what it wanted!
I assume that he was referring to MK Council and if so, it merely emphasises the lack of organisation that they have. Coming so soon after the furore over the new school here and the ongoing dissatisfaction with problems surrounding other schools in the city, is there really leadership at the top?
Malcolm Johnson, Aspreys, Olney
Great Escape Ballooning
I'd like to thank the people of Olney for their great support of our company over the last 13 years and reassure present and future passengers that they will be well looked after under new owners while we move to a new photographic venture. I’d like to place on record how two former mayors in the shape of Deidre Bethune and Dave Price were particularly helpful in finding a terrific launch site and this helped our fledgling company take off – literally.
I must challenge however the comment made in April's Phonebox (Mercury report) by some councillors that, “ballooning... does not bring any business into the town.” In fact many of the passengers flown left (temporarily!) behind family and friends who were kicking their heels for a couple of hours or so. They were directed to the many pubs and restaurants in town. Some who had travelled long distances (Wales was the record) even stayed in local hotels and B&Bs. Last but not least, several local men and women were employed on a part-time basis all oiling the wheels of the local economy.
Passenger flying certainly was a commercial venture but Council annual launch field fees over the last 13 years rose from some £200 to an inflation busting £700. The new owners – sadly for Olney – have found a good but much cheaper facility in an adjacent town. Perhaps the council, on reflection, have missed an opportunity?
Kevin Viney
Dear Editor
Phonebox Magazine 7
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