I know, I shouldn’t moan - people have to walk 100 miles to a well in Africa, etc. but...

Where I live, there is a (now) Morrisons (was Somerfield), my doctors and a pharmacy. To get there is a short walk across some garage blocks. It takes about 5 minutes. However, there is now building work going on, and the path across the site will be closed for the next 6 months. The alternative route is about 15-20 minutes at my walking speed (which I am told is unnaturally fast when I’m in full flow). OK, so for me this is not a problem (unless I am ill and need the doctor, or course), but for others I know it will be. I’m at the edge of a large housing estate, and the shop and surgery serves a large section of the houses this side of the Great Divide.

I don‘t remember any consultation about the closure of the footpath, and the first I think we all heard of it was an article in the local paper last week. The odd thing is the feeling of being slightly cut off. I’ve ost a facility, and the next closet shops are now an equal distance away (not counting he infamous Shop From Hell). None of them offer the range that the Morrisons would. I bit of a blow to the community, I’d say.

I have to go into town just to get a look at the likes of Classic Rock, the Dennis mags etc

Well, sign out side of the building site says it will be closed tomorrow for 1 day. Maybe the paper did a bit of scare mongering to force plans to change? Who knows.

OR:

Somebody misunderstood the planning application, got into a huff over it, reported it to the local rag and some lazy hack just ran the story without bothering to check the facts.

Wouldn't be the first time.

Where I live, almost half the town (south of the river) is a huge residential area, and has virtually nothing in the way of shops (a shell garage at one end, that's about it). Planning permission has always been denied for any commercial premises, so I guess that means everyone is supposed to walk miles or drive to get even the basics.

Town planners, eh?