Codrington Bill.

I disagree with your point about the importance of 'essential services' in all of this.

I believe the other points that you've mentioned (below) will suffice to protect HOP - especially as the Council are already clearly committed to making the parade work for local residents.

Existing shops will also suffer a reduction in footfall as the number of shops and businesses close.

The Council will only be able to resist the change of use if they can show harm to the vitality of the town centre. (which would occur as a result of the previous point)

By the way, I have seen so many changes in this area since 1971. I started work in the mid-seventies as a photographic assistant in one of the premises that's currently being converted by Sainsburys and I reckon their presence and power will do more to enhance and protect the future vitality and viability of the shopping parade than anything I can think of.

I really do feel for one or two of the other retailers though because they must be quite worried about their future livelihood. However, if they stay strong and focussed they should be able to retain a good percentage of the current spend from their existing customers and, hopefully, benefit from the new additional footfall that'll be created by Sainsburys and the other serious businesses that will inevitably follow them into HOP.