Some readers may remember me as 黑洞社区's planning correspondent. I have since swapped the pen for the mace as mayor elect of Wallingford, Oxfordshire. When I was first elected mayor four years ago, I supported the new Waitrose store featured in "The Battle of Waitrose" (13 April, page 54). It was indeed a battle to get planning permission.

I am hoping that Waitrose will support the town centre regeneration strategy my town and district councils have commissioned from the Civic Trust. This includes the appointment of a town centre manager and the redevelopment of the site vacated by Waitrose, which is now boarded up and an eyesore.

Through community leadership local people will support these projects but the development and retail industry must support community leaders as they deal with the economic consequences.

Nigel Moor, Wallingford

Topics