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HELSTON residents have given their overwhelming backing for a new Sainsbury's store in the town following a two day public exhibition.

Over 90 per cent of residents questioned at the exhibition held at Helston Methodist Church over Friday and Saturday said they would like to see a Sainsbury's supermarket brought to the town.

At the meet-and-greet session residents were invited to share their views on a proposal to build a food-store and petrol station on land currently owned by Flambards.

Figures compiled at the end of the two days showed 92 per cent of those questioned supported the proposed development, while only six per cent did not support it and two per cent were undecided.

The revelation has come in the same week that its potential main rival, Tesco, saw a decision on its planning application to double the existing store in the town delayed for yet another month.

Tesco's bid had been due for discussion by members of Kerrier district council's planning committee at a meeting yesterday, in which members would have been advised by officers to reject the application.

The proposal has already suffered delays, after previously being the subject of a now-withdrawn appeal from the supermarket over the council's failure to determine a decision.

But the application was taken off yesterday's agenda after additional information was submitted by Tesco late last week.

Kerrier's principal planning officer, Nicola Stinson, said the information needed to be assessed before a decision could be made. She added that application had now been "pencilled in" for the committee's June meeting and it was likely a decision would be taken then.

At last week's Sainsbury's consultation 292 people - the equivalent of 90 per cent of those questioned - believed Helston would benefit from an increase in competition between stores, while 264 people (81 per cent) said that the choice of supermarkets in Helston was inadequate.

It was a view mirrored by many of the residents spoken to by the Packet at the public exhibition.

Derek Wear, from Beacon Parc, has lived in Helston 65 years. He said: "We definitely need more competition. I'm retired and on a fixed income that's fast being eroded by the increase in prices. With competition, it will hopefully keep the prices competitive and down."

Len Goodchild, from Trenance Close, agreed: "As far as I'm concerned it's better to have competition than double the size of the store we've already got. I particularly think it may put down the price of petrol."

And John Macknelly, from Osborne Parc, said: "I think it will be good for the town. I think Tesco have got very complacent. They have got such a stranglehold on the town."

In addition, 249 people (77 per cent) said that a Sainsbury's would reduce their need to travel.

Elaine Goldsworthy, from Constantine, told the Packet that she currently shopped in the Truro Sainsbury's but would use the Helston one if it were built.

Michael Adenmosun, Sainsbury's development executive, said he was "delighted" with reaction from Helston residents.

Mr Adenmosun said: "With 92 per cent of Helston residents supporting the development we are delighted with the feedback we received regarding our proposals. People have told us that Sainsbury's offer of quality food at affordable prices will bring much needed competition and choice to a town that has been dominated by one operator for too long.

"A new Sainsbury's would mean people travelling out of Helston less often, which is good for the town centre and for the environment."

9:58am Wednesday 21st May 2008

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