Chalfont St Peter

3:00pm Friday 5th October 2001

TESCO have won their Appeal and can proceed with redevelopment of the retail shop in the Esso Garage on the A413. Local residents fought the proposals which will create a larger store, probably double the size of the existing. Chiltern District Council refused the plans and there has been a lengthy appeal process. Now Tesco have been successful. In a highly competitive world we have to accept that people will shop where there are low prices, free parking and special offers. There will always be those who support local shops but it must be difficult to keep customers when Tesco move into the same area.

Statistics tell us that the Amersham store is highly successful and if you've ever tried to get into the car park at peak time there's no doubt about the accuracy of that statement. So now we'll have our own branch, on our doorstep but at what cost to our local shops?

ALL might be revealed soon on last week's poser. I asked if there really was a secret tunnel between the Grange and the Greyhound. Work has just started on the refurbishment of the Greyhound by the Bravo Group. Have they been instructed to look out for a hidden door, a trapdoor and tunnel or a sliding wall panel? Was it Judge Jeffreys' escape route should he be faced with violence after one of his judgements? If you know where it is why not call in and put them out of their agony. We're certain to hear about it because no one could resist such a great story. The work to the Greyhound will continue until after Christmas but it's certainly good news that this important site will be restored to glory and be part of our local community facilities again.

By Peter Lole

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