Bay MP Sir Roger Gale has this weekend described as “a step in the right direction” the decision taken by Tesco not to proceed with proposals for a store at the former Upper Red Lion Square premises in Herne Village.
 
Paying tribute to those who have supported the campaign against the project the MP said:
 
“I believe that the conduct of the campaign to prevent this project from proceeding has been courteous, soundly based and exemplary.  Tesco have had to take on board the planning and highways implications of what was clearly an ill-judged project and have apparently reached the conclusion that I am sure that a planning inspector would, following a rejection by Canterbury City Council, also have reached. The advice of the Council`s Planning Officers will, I would expect, have also been instrumental in deterring a futile application.
 
It is now very important, I think, that the community energy that was generated in opposition to a Tesco Store is now applied to securing a good community future for the former public house: it is a valuable and prominent building and one that needs to be put to good purpose in the interests of the residents of Herne”.

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