Over many years in this town, lots of businesses have come and gone. As Chairman, I’ve been lucky (in some ways) that there have been lots of things to discuss in this last year within the Chamber that have been orientated largely around the set up, building and opening of the Sainsbury’s store. Feelings have been strong both for and against the store with a large proportion of members of the Chamber and the public waiting to see if its opening would improve the prosperity of the Town.

My family and I have been waiting with baited breath for the half hour episode of the BBC1 West Country programme “Inside Out” for the last three months because the store and I were filmed, along with members of the Farmer’s Market and members of the public, for their opinion. Because of the appalling accident on the M5, the BBC committed two of their programmes to cover the disaster. Perhaps that is the way we should look at a new Sainsbury’s store coming to Ottery St Mary. I don’t think it’s the be all and end all of life in the Town and in the grand scheme of things, it certainly shouldn’t be.

In a survey sent to all of our members on line, fifteen questions were asked, aimed at determining the effect on business after the first 3 months of the store opening. On a scale from 2 to 10 (10 being the best), the results came in at an average of 6.8. In 3 month’s time, we will be asking business owners for their opinion again and we’ll let you know the result. In that mix were businesses that described trading from “diabolical” to others whose response was “fantastic”. In the long term, time will tell.

The Christmas light switch on and late night shopping was considered very successful with a record number of people attending the event. On other subjects, ideas are still welcome, along with £10,000.00+ money in the pot to be spent on our town. This could be anything from seats, signage, floral decorations and/or anything you think would make Ottery a more attractive and vibrant place for people to visit and for residents to live. Please contact Glyn Dobson at the Ottery Town Council offices or myself at Perkins Country Store on 01404 812605 with any ideas.

Everybody understands the high street is changing due to internet influences and economic down turn. Now is the time to buy local and support your local shops. In the long and short term, I believe it will make you feel good and help the town ride out the recession.

Marc Perkins