'It will be more of the same' - Ingham

WOODBURY and Lympstone's independent councillor Ben Ingham has emerged as the lone voice at East Devon against current proposals for a new superstore. He said that fellow members have 'missed an opportunity to lift the credibility of the town' after naming Asda as the preferred choice.Asda are looking to develop the supermarket on the site of the bus station and leisure centre.Parent company Wal-Mart - the largest food retailer in the world - have pledged to build a new sports centre, and a new library, housed in a larger complex.Cllr Ingham said: "It's a shame that Asda is now in the position where it can call the shots. "I just don't think Asda is a good choice. This is an opportunity to upgrade, to lift the credibility of the town, "Let's face it, with Asda it's just more of the same - what's the difference between them and Tesco?"He said the London Inn car park, behind the Magnolia Centre, would have been better: "Some kind of covered mall would be better, inviting companies like Waitrose or Marks and Spencer."Any supermarket should be in the middle of the town, otherwise customers won't use the shops and they'll go out of business."Developing the car park would breathe life back into the town. I just don't think the plans are in the best interests of Exmouth."An Asda spokesman said: "Asda sees itself very much part of the community and will be consulting widely to seek local views."Our aim is to develop a scheme which supports the regeneration of Exmouth, while recognising the unique location of the proposed store and enhancing the area."We will be creating new jobs and will consider ways in which a new Exmouth store can support local traders.