Co-op lose bid to stop Asda’s Cinderford plans
PRO-ASDA campaigners in Cinderford are celebrating after the Co-op lost its bid to challenge the superstore’s plans to open in the town.
Asda has been given permission to open a store but rivals the Co-op asked for a judicial review in the hope of stopping the plans in their tracks.
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Asda protest picture by Mark Turner
But the High Court has thrown out the review, deriding it as ‘regrettable’.
In a statement to the Co-op, Judge Anthony Thornton QC said: “None of the grounds of challenge had any merit.
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“It is regrettable that the claim is pleaded at such length. It is clear the grounds of challenge had no prospect of success.”
It was felt that applying for the review nearly 11 weeks after permission was granted was too late and another reason not to grant it.
The supermarket will now have to fork out £1,000 to pay for the Forest of Dean District Council’s legal costs.
Campaigner Amanda Watkins said dozens of Cinderford residents who had been fighting the Co-op’s challenge for weeks would be ‘delighted’ with the news.
She said: “I am absolutely over the moon about this.
“The last few weeks have been hard work but it has obviously paid off.
“This campaign started off small but over the weeks it has built up, growing into something much bigger.
“People will be delighted when they find out what has happened.
“Marching through the heavy rain last Sunday was definitely worth it.
“We just hope now that Asda will get on and build the supermarket.”
Strong feeling in Cinderford toward the plans resulted in a number of protests by people who are keen to see the development go ahead.
Asda is the third supermarket chain to express interest in building a new store in the town.
But not everyone wants them. Some people fear they will put pressure on independent retailers.
Comments
by HelenCW
Monday, December 03 2012, 3:33PM
“Can we have a Marks and Spencer food hall too in Cinderford ???
Well done all you campaigners for Asda...about time. Can't wait to get my Chrimbo turkey there next year!
Time to campaign against the parking charges too before the town dies :(”
by Forestman
Friday, November 30 2012, 11:13AM
“Cinderford now has a chance to move with the times, at the moment it is in a out of date time warp, it is turning into a ghost town.
The Asda store will bring it more up to date and help it move with the times. The High Streets are doomed everywhere, times have changed.
Welcome to Cinderford ASDA”
by mrktdd
Friday, November 30 2012, 10:46AM
“It's just a shame the quality of the food at Asda is appalling.”
by Glosstephen
Friday, November 30 2012, 2:26AM
“The Cop-op has a very limited range of goods. It is far more expensive than even Sainsbury, No free fish, No fresh pasta. No deli. Many of the staff are surly and think they are doing you a service by simply serving you. Good luck Asda.”
by Forestman
Thursday, November 29 2012, 5:10PM
“This is what Cinderford needs to move into the future, before it is too late. The High Street in the town is finished anyway.”
by Zindafud
Thursday, November 29 2012, 10:59AM
“If the Co-Op can afford to p1ss away their money on legal fees, judicial reviews etc... I'll be making a point of boycotting their stores.”
by Bonkim2003
Wednesday, November 28 2012, 8:18PM
“Why don't Cinderford folk shop at Lidl?”
by thomas1996
Wednesday, November 28 2012, 12:27PM
“Well done to the campaigners at Cinderford.
The Co-op prices on their offers by the till and in the 'special offer' dump bins are about the same as Asda/Tesco/Morrisons but on everything on the shelves they are way too high! It's a scandal what they expect people to pay for everyday items like Heinz Ketchup, tins of soup & cleaning products, I find they are typically 20% higher. Maybe once the Asda is open the Co-op will be forced to match their high prices.
Just one example at TODAY's prices from their web sites:
Nescafe Cafe Menu cappuccino sachets (box of 8 sachets)
Co-op price £2.99
Tesco price £2.00
Asda price £1.50
Bring on the Asda!!”
by forester_girl
Wednesday, November 28 2012, 11:57AM
“This makes me so happy! Well done to the organisers of the pro Asda campaign”
by Bonkim2003
Wednesday, November 28 2012, 10:04AM
“Red Heat of competition good for consumers in these hard times.”