THE story Time Not Right To Sell Civic Offices (News Shopper, September 24) on the future development of Bexley’s Civic Office site had a number of concerns which should be addressed before any publicly-owned properties are sold.

The first is there has to be a comprehensive development strategy for the whole of the Broadway area, including the former Woolwich site.

The second is to justify granting planning for yet another supermarket. Does the borough actually need another supermarket?

If the answer is “yes”, why did the council not allow Tesco to develop the Klinger site in Sidcup?

If there is an overwhelming need for a new supermarket in the Broadway, then for a number of reasons the current Civic Centre site would be far better than Woolwich Road.

The council has considerable officer expertise which should be used to develop a complete strategy maximising the benefits for residents.

It seems incomprehensible the Woolwich building will be demolished to make way for a characterless supermarket.

It would appear to be the ideal site for the new Civic Centre, utilising all the technology services which already exist.

The older buildings may have to be demolished but the overall potential is considerable. The officers and members could do a land swap with the current owners.

The final point is wherever the new Civic Centre is developed we do not want public money wasted on a council chamber and facilities for members.

One large dual purpose training/debate chamber will suffice.

Let the council actually listen to residents.

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