New development in place of Black Horse pub

Sidcup Waitrose campaign receives celebrity backing from Garry Bushell

Rosie Peaty, Reporter Wednesday, July 4, 2012
11:00 AM

The ‘We Want Waitrose’ campaign in Sidcup has managed to receive celebrity backing.

Local resident, journalist, author and film reviewer, Garry Bushell, has given his backing to campaign.

Bushell, who lives in Sidcup and styles himself as Britain’s best loved telly critic, currently writes for the Star on Sunday.

Bexley Councillor Linda Bailey said: “We were shocked to learn the company had decided to change its plan to open a store in the town centre and it’s clear many people share our disappointment.

“We believe the store would be a great success and will be meeting the company to urge it to change its mind.

“I hope as many local people as possible will support us by signing the petition.”

Bushell is among more than 3,600 people who have signed the paper version of the petition.

The petition follows Waitrose reverse decision to open a store in the place of The Black Horse pub, on the High Street.

It is believed Waitrose controversially pulled out of opening a store in the high street, despite planners drumming up support from homeowners by promising the up-market supermarket.

The online petition, meanwhile, has passed 1,000 signatures, which means that the campaign is close to achieving its target of 5,000 supporters set on 14 June.

Councillors are hoping to collect more signatures when they take the petition to the Danson Festival on July 7 and 8.

The Councillors will be ready and waiting with the petition in the Talk Cafe from 10am-4pm on both days.

You can also sign the petition on at www.ipetitions.com/petition/we-want-waitrose, at Sidcup Library, Hadlow Road or in local shops that can be seen displaying the campaign poster.