30 July 2010Sevenoaks District Council has learned of the proposed closure of Budgens supermarket in New Ash Green and is aware that the local community is concerned about the impact.
Budgens currently lease the site from the Co-op. Sevenoaks District Council is in contact with the Co-op's representatives and has already met with them and conveyed local residents' concerns about the closure and how it could affect the community, especially older or more vulnerable residents and those who do not have access to a car.
The site is privately owned and obviously the Council does not have powers to keep the shop open. We will however continue to press for a way forward.
Residents who wish to express their concerns to the District Council can do so by either completing a form on the Council's website or by calling the Council on 01732 227000. (This consultation has now ended).
The comments will be collated and represented to the Co-op's representatives when the Council next meets with them on 14 December 2007.
Cllr Jill Davison, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Strategic Planning, says: "We know that the Budgens in New Ash Green is a very important shop for local people and should it close for an length of time, it would impact on many residents, especially those who do not have access to a car. We are keen to inform the Co-op, who own the site, about local people's feelings towards the proposed closure. Should local people wish to have their say we are advising them to complete our on-line form or to call the Council."
