Marks & Spencer's in Chislehurst - The shortest questionnaire in history

Maybe we'll get a new sign?

To be precise, it's not a Marks & Spencer, but one of those M & S Simply Food stores (of which there are a couple locally at B P petrol stations) that is being planned.

M & S is seeking all of our opinions on their proposal to refurbish Chislehurst Library and include a Simply Food store on the site.

We at Village News always thought food 'n' drink and libraries didn't really go together - "no eating or drinking in the library". We expect there'll be another sign going up in Simply Food saying, "no books in the food store" but in the meantime, what have local residents been saying to Village News?

1. Who owns the library building and who will own it if the plans go ahead?
2. M & S state that the proposals "offer the opportunity to safeguard the future of the library."
   a. What happens when Simply Food wants to stop being in the library complex?
   b. Was the library under any threat of closure? We think not, given the political fallout that would have ensued.
3. Do we need yet another coffee shop? (See Village News' news item on 27th October.)
4. Will the library be open on Wednesdays?
5. The proposals look all very cosy, but remember, it's the planning application that counts. There was much controversy over in Sidcup recently with the Waitrose / Travelodge refurbishment of the Black Horse pub; it lost its facade despite assurances to the contrary during the planning process.
6. Despite the desire of local community groups, businesses and individuals for Chislehurst to thrive with a number of independent shops, do we really want our High Street to become more and more like a "Little Bromley"?

As for the questionnaire, we encourage you to fill it in. It's only two questions. However, as with all good questionnaires, the questions are framed to give the answers that are wanted. The second question is "Do you support the principle of a refurbished library facility on this site in Chislehurst?" No one's going to say "no" to that, but what if you would like to have a refurbished library without any M & S involvement? There's not a box to tick for that, so leave your comment below.

Details of the scheme can be found at www.chislehurstlibrarymands.co.uk. You have until 31st December to make your comments.
www.chislehurstvillagenews.co.uk