Welcome to the Spring Edition of the Chambers Comments and as I write to you this month, the sun is shining on our beautiful town.

So what has been happening in the last month or so? Well Waitrose is still the subject of much discussion and debate. A full survey of trader opinion on the on-going proposed Waitrose development on the Hanham Cricket Ground was sent to all traders in the Wimborne area. Traders were asked whether they were for, against or undecided on the development of Waitrose. The survey of 263 local traders was conducted in February 2007 by an independent researcher on whether or not the local traders wished to see a Waitrose store built in the centre of Wimborne on part of the cricket ground. Four fifths, 80% of Wimborne traders were in favour of the proposed Waitrose development. 16% were against the proposed development and 4% were as yet undecided. The response rate for this research was 33%, which I am assured is a very good response for a survey of this type.

Of those in favour, the overwhelming reason expressed was the need for a quality food store in Wimborne to encourage increased footfall into the town and raise the profile of Wimborne. As one respondent stated, "Wimborne is a top of the range town and needs a top of the range foodstore to help maintain that position". A number of interesting suggestions were made to enhance the viability of the proposed site of the store, including a prominent walkway from Waitrose to the other stores in the town to encourage people using Waitrose to shop in the rest of the town. Another area receiving numerous mentions was that of the car parking for Waitrose. The majority of respondents that commented upon this suggested a scheme of no time limit on the parking and payment on exit.

Of those that were undecided, a key area of discussion was that if Waitrose was not granted permission to open in Wimborne then the proposed site would be likely to be developed anyway as something else, for example housing. Others who were unsure expressed the desire for a Waitrose store but not on the proposed site, "I would prefer to see the existing Somerfield site and precinct redeveloped to incorporate Waitrose".

Of those respondents who were against the proposed Waitrose development, the key reasons were channelled into the need to maintain the cricket ground as a cricket ground in its current location. The other major concern related to the potential increased flow of traffic into Wimborne the result of this, which was considered by some who lived in the town to prevent people from wanting to come to Wimborne.

No decision has yet been taken on the proposed development and as the Chamber of Trade we are keen to be involved in relevant discussions with appropriate parties on this subject.

Support St Georges Day and let us make our town look great. Town Mayor's St. Georges Day Concert in the Wimborne Minster  WENESDAY 23 RD APRIL .7.30 P.M. featuring the DORSET YOUTH MARCHING BAND. Proceeds in aid of the Mayor's charities: "Wimborne Rotary Club Shelter Box Appeal" 1ST & 2ND WIMBORNE SCOUTS WIMBORNE IN BLOOM BAND. TICKETS £5.00 each. available from "The Mayor" Anthony Oliver 888708. "Town Hall" West Borough.  "Tourist information Centre" High Street. or contact the band Mr. John Cooper 696877. 

Next on the agenda is The Chamber of Trade AGM. This is one of the most important events in our calendar when we invite all our members to attend an open meeting. We realise that you are all busy people but we feel that this meeting is a great way to gather together and become an even more effective organisation - it is also an excellent opportunity to put names to faces. Our 2008 A.G.M. will be held on: Wednesday 14th May at 7.30pm at the Town Hall and we very much look forward to seeing you all there. An agenda will be sent out shortly.

And finally...... I am very pleased to announce that the Wimborne Minster website is now open for business. Some areas are still under construction, but you can visit the site on www.wimborne-minster.co.uk. If as a trader, you support the Town Guide by advertising in it then your advertisement will automatically be placed on the website under the links page. Your advertisement will link directly to your website. We will also be able to create homepages at very reasonable costs if you do not currently have one but would like to jump onto the internet highway! Please let me have your thoughts and feelings on the website and indeed on anything else you would like to discuss. Please email me at james@morganhampton.co.uk

Click here to download Wimborne Minster & District Chamber of Trade News Letter 2008