Six members of the Mablethorpe and District retail Development Group went to the council offices in Manby on April 24 armed with over 1,000 petition letters in support of their campaign for an Asda store in the town.

Ros Hicks, chair of the group said: "We were all very fired up and insisted we spoke to somebody. We have been following the council very closely and think that Mablethorpe is being short-changed."

She added: "It seems the council are being very evasive about the matter but we let them know just how strongly we feel about this."
The group attended the council meeting for a discussion on the recent Chase Report, a retail study commissioned by ELDC.

The report itself states that "Food stores can be major contributors to the vitality and viability of town centres" but adds Mablethorpe "looks tired, lacks investment and is not vital or viable."

Ros said: "People here seem to be suffering from apathy because they don't believe they can make any difference, but if we keep fighting for it eventually they will listen."

ELDC's Planning Service Manager, Simon Machen said: "The Council has not received any planning applications for a new supermarket in Mablethorpe. If an application is received the local community will be fully consulted and their views taken into account." He added: "The retail and leisure study will be considered by the Planning Policy Committee in June."

An Asda spokesperson said: "Currently we aren't looking for a new store in Mablethorpe, however things may change in the future."

* To get involved with the retail development group or to sign the petition contact 01507 473271 or email roshicks@btinternet.com