I THINK that most of us in Exbourne and the surrounding area would like to have a shop in the village, but not at any cost! This proposal has been ongoing for some considerable time now, perhaps it is time to step back and honestly answer some fundamental questions.
l Is the expense justified? Do we really want to see hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money (all funding and grants do initially/ finally emanate from monies raised from the taxpayers) poured into this project and is this horrendously expensive proposal still the best way forward?
l Is the project viable? Can the proposed shop actually compete with other local outlets? Bearing in mind that the salaries of a full-time manager and part-time assistant will have to be found from income.
l Is the project sustainable? Once the initial funding and grants end, which they will at some stage, then will this project be able to stand alone and move forward? If not and it fails, will the village be left with an expensive 'white elephant', or has this scenario been considered?
l Do the majority of local people wish to see a shop built at the proposed location with the ongoing traffic and parking problems?
Claire Hariades' sentiments in her letter are all very commendable, but unfortunately this is the real world that we live in and 'warm and welcoming' does not necessarily make any profit, it is turnover and margins that keep businesses afloat in the current economic climate.
I think the volunteers at the village hall do a wonderful job, but I doubt that there is scope to move beyond the current situation.
It is therefore with some regret, that taking all the above points into account, I feel I have to concur with the comments of Cllr David Weeks and John and Sheila Stoneman, but would be happy to be proved wrong.
Jon Lloyd
1 Manor Gardens
Exbourne