Too much obscurity

ONE of the criticisms against the councillors – all pictured right – who took last night’s decision was that they asked too many obscure questions instead of having a full debate on the crucial issues.

They spent several minutes, for example, discussing the risk of terrorist attacks or crime if the new superstore was built on stilts with a car park underneath, similar to the Ikea store at Eastville.

They also discussed the merits of trying to persuade bus operator First to divert services so buses stopped inside the superstore’s car park.

Another issue raised under questioning was the ratio of floorspace between convenience goods sold at the new store (food and drink) compared with comparison goods (electricals such as fridges, clothes and DVDs).

Sainsbury’s would pay £270,000 over three years to mitigate any impact on traders but councillors wondered if that should go to appointing a town centre manager or if the local Neighbourhood Partnership should decide how best to use the money.

Labour Councillor Mark Bradshaw, who represents Bedminster ward, said it didn’t seem an effective means of addressing the complex issues involved.