I LEFT the recent district council planning meeting regarding Tesco’s application to take over the Squirrel Inn at Areley Kings with mixed emotions.

I am pleased that the decision was deferred pending a site visit. However, I am rather annoyed with the stance taken by the Planning Officer and the Highways Officer who seemed determined to pass this proposal without taking into consideration the large quantity of letters, emails and photos that have been sent to them relating to the major traffic issues in the area.

The same could be said of the Tesco speaker who seemed to be basing his judgement on computer-enhanced data rather than physical evidence.

Indeed when questioned on a number of occasions these people could note produce the days, times etc when they visited the area.

Congratulations should be given to Andrew Booton who spoke on behalf of residents, and councillors Jamie Shaw and Dave Keogh-Smith for their excellent presentations.

Finally I would like to thank all the local residents for their tremendous support during this campaign.Surely more than 2,000 people cannot be wrong. Let’s hope that after the visit the planning committee sees sense and refuses this application.

ROBERT LLOYD Chesshire Avenue Stourport