HOP is not Herne Hill (wealthier residents there) or West Norwood (proper High Street and travel hub) but a small parade of local shops. In the 20+ years I have lived here expectations have grown and various businesses have been tried and failed because the demand people voice does not always seem to materialise in practice. In a time of recession it surprises me that anyone would risk a business startup and I suspect most of us do not really grasp the amount of custom that is required to support a butcher, for example. If people drove around less, it might be different, and it is more convenient for many to buy all goods in one place i.e. a big supermarket. Sainsbury's in HOP will not be that but it will be a useful addition. It is surely not the sole responsibility of Lewisham Council to fulfil desires for HOP to 'come up', especially if that simply means we want our property prices to rise (I happen to think it's got quite a lot going for it already, though of course we would all like to see the shops thriving). That also depends on people contributing to their local area through our many community groups.