CONCERNS over plans for a new supermarket in Williton continue to grow this week with letters of objection from Lloyds Bank and questions from South West Ambulance Service.

A letter from the ambulance service said there could be a delay in response times because of potential bottle-necks of traffic in the area.

The letter also expressed concerns that the increase in traffic during the roadwork process and when the supermarket was built would be a hindrance for wide emergency vehicles.

On Monday evening (June 2), parish councillors held a meeting and members of the public were not shy in voicing concerns.

One woman said: “The build-up in traffic could potentially put people’s lives at risk.

“I know from experience what it is like waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

“Every second feels like a minute, every minute feels like an hour.”

There were also fears for the loss of Lloyds Bank, the only Lloyds in West Somerset which is open full-time.

Part of Mr Gliddon’s plans include creating a pedestrian access to the site through the existing bank branch in Fore Street.

The bank’s agents say Mr Gliddon had only ‘briefly’ approached Lloyds with an option of potential relocation within the proposed development.

The letter of objection from the agents adds: “There is no guarantee that the proposed new units will be suitable for Lloyds and therefore there is uncertainty around relocation.

“Furthermore, any business relocation also results in substantial cost and disruption implications for the business and customers, particularly where there is no current business need to relocate.”

At the meeting on Monday, Mr Gliddon defended his plans. He said: “Williton is the fifth most deprived ward in West Somerset.

“Unemployment is 51% higher in Watchet and with 986 new homes planned for Watchet and Williton there needs to be jobs for those people.

“We have heard health concerns but what about other health issues such as depression which can come from unemployment?”

At the meeting, parish councillors in Williton decided to submit six comments of concern regarding the application to West Somerset Council.

Five councillors voted for the comments, one against and another abstained from voting.

Among the list of concerns was that the supermarket would interfere with long-term plans for a relief road in Williton and the loss of parking and potential loss of Lloyds Bank.

The application is due to be considered by West Somerset Council in July.