Sainsbury's in Olney?!

The recent consultations regarding a Sainsbury's potentially being built in Olney has caused quite a mixed reaction. Whether the news has left you eager to get shopping or ready to wage war, your view is likely to be shared by many in Olney.

So what are the proposals? Well Sainsbury's want to build a 22,000 square foot supermarket at Warrington Road and Lavendon Road, and would include a petrol station. The store would create 160 jobs, an obvious positive, as well as a more convenient shopping location for Olney residents. On the other hand, a large store would inevitably create yet more traffic through the already busy town, and could possibly take customers away from some of the local stores which have been running for years. However, are people more concerned with keeping tradition and preventing busy roads, or would most rest in favour of having a local supermarket in a convenient location?

If you have a view to share or questions to be asked, make sure you get along to the public consultation at the Olney Centre on Friday 4th July from 2-7pm, and Saturday 5th July 10am-2pm, where members of Sainsbury's development team will be discussing the proposals and answering questions. Comments forms will be available for visitors to leave feedback.

Research which Sainsbury's are using as one of the needs for the store include figures showing that 73% of people currently leave Olney to do the majority of their shopping. Is this a valid reason do you think? Do you find you have to do your shopping elsewhere if you live in Olney? Maybe that's what you prefer to do?! We'd love to hear your views, please comment below or send us an email: editor@phoneboxmagazine.com.

Olney District Historical Society

Olney District Historical Society has been around since 1997, and is now key for events, talks and information about the history of Olney; from the time of the Civil war to the present day. The society was created in order to keep the history of the town alive for all generations, for those living in the town currently and for those who have since moved away. Their website contains a host of historical information, including photographs, as well as census data which allows you to search for family members and other people from the Olney area.  As well as people, users can search for maps, buildings and images, providing a rounded history of the town of Olney. Information also includes history about the arrival of the canal, the railway, and the M1 motorway, as well as a history of Bury field common and a variety of local industries.

Tomorrow evening the society are having their monthly meeting, a talk on the garden archaeology of Hampton Court and more, by archaeologist and gardener Joe Prentice. He will talk about the Hampton Court Palace garden, and cover Harrington Falls, Holdenby and Wrest Park. The meeting will be held in the main hall of the Olney centre at 7.30pm, and costs £1 for members and £2 for visitors.