IT is hoped the enquiries made by Fylde MP Michael Jack elicit an early reply on whether or not Safeway does intend to continue with its plans to build a superstore in St Annes.

There are still many problems that will have to be overcome - an important one being the horrendous traffic problems which will result through the closure of St George's and St Andrew's Road North - and vehicle access for shoppers only being allowed from The Square at its junction with the Crescent.

Over the past few months the local press has misled residents by continuing to promote the opinion that a new superstore version of the foodstore-only retail outlet would be the biggest thing since sliced bread and without it the Stars War (St Annes Regeneration Strategy) would be a losing battle.

This is definitely not so.

The first phase of the regeneration begins early next year and the council is committed to its completion. It will take time to complete regeneration in its entirety, but means for funding it - independent of any Safeway involvement - are being pursued by a talented and dedicated group of council planning officials working on our behalf. It must be remembered that Safeway's £25 million will go on the building and purchase of land and buildings designed for demolition - therefore to people with a vested interest in the building of a superstore.

Naturally human nature, being what it is, dictates how they feel about the outcome.

Other development could take place in this area and Safeway need not be the only option.

To put forward one instance, in Ashton Gardens the Ashton Institute will be demolished if the development goes ahead.

Yet Dougie Chapman, a local entertainment promoter, would like to develop the building as an in-town entertainment venue - a small Theatre In The Park for all ages - and is willing to have the building renovated, converted and refurbished.

This development would be carried out entirely at his own expense, at no cost whatsoever to the council, with the needs of residents and visitors being met.

Over the past three years the local authority has been very amenable in their dealings with developers Dransfield Properties and with Safeway.

It is public knowledge Safeway has recently suffered financial setbacks and nationally have cancelled development of a number of superstores.

To be fair to shareholders they must find ways of dealing with falling profits, but our town needs to know the truth - we must not be left in limbo.

Only then can future development enquiries and plans for this area legitimately go ahead.

Councillor Barbara Pagett,

Ashton Conservative councillor.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.