Two letters of support from The Solihull Observer

Sainsbury's store will help us all save petrol. Really?

David & Anne Carey have written a cheery letter in response to Larry Sayer in this week's Solihull Observer (10.3.11). They back Sainbsury's plans - and DROVS agree with much of what they have to say.

We are not conducting a negative campaign. We too want to see a "modern, clean, attractive centre". We welcome Sainsbury's involvement. We support the redevelopment of the surgery. We'd love a Post Office.

But we raise two points in response to the letter. First, we question the use of the phrase "independent shops". Sainsbury's will be the landlord for any shops included in their plan. The future prosperity of these stores will largely be in Sainsbury's hands.

Secondly, as far as the Carey's point about saving petrol is concerned - a store of the current proposed size won't do that. 

True: Dorridge people won't need to drive to Monkspath, but we anticipate substantial traffic (including large delivery trucks) rumbling into the village to use and service a store of this size. 

That's why DROVS favours a village-sized supermarket for a village location.

Sainsbury's: No plan to end Mell Square presence

DROVS had heard rumours that Solihull MBC and Sainsbury's saw the propopsed Dorridge store as a direct replacement for their Solihull (Mell Square) branch: they are roughly the same size.

In a letter to this week's Solihull Observer, Michael Adenmosun clarifies Sainsbury's position.

FT profile of Sainsbury's MD, Justin King

The FT has a fascinating profile on Justin King, MD of Sainsbury's who, of course, grew up here in Dorridge.

"Justin King is known for his sunny ebullience. It matches his company’s orange logo. The chief executive of UK supermarket group J Sainsbury even looks sunny with a ready smile crammed with bright white teeth and a permanent tan."

Read the full article »

Letter from NJW Roe

Dear Sir,

Re: Sainsbury’s Dorridge

Sainsbury’s must be congratulated on their recent consultative leaflet for the proposed development on the Forest Court site. The idea of placing the store at ground level with the car park on the roof is inspirational and provides an acceptably low profile. A big improvement.

However the size of the suggested store is still way too large,