READING social media and listening to responses regarding the decision of The Range to abandon their plans and not build a warehouse, distribution centre and shop in Chippenham, one thing is clear, it’s another wasted opportunity for the town.

The squabbling between town and county councils and the passing of the buck when it comes to the decision as to whether the planning application was going to be approved, the “not on my doorstep” approach of some of the Cepen Park and Bristol Road residents and the argument for the “say yes” campaign has been an embarrassment for Chippenham.

Free speech and debate is a good thing but from what I read and heard there was a fair amount of unhealthy talk from certain parties which I believe has given the town a negative impact for future planning and commerce.

Regardless of how many jobs were on offer and the scale of salaries for staff, the councils should have tried their hardest to secure the business of The Range even if this meant encouraging the company to develop its warehouse near to the M4, with a shop located elsewhere in the town centre (a suggestion that has been posted by the town council on their website) at a reduced rate or even free of charge for a period of time.

Let’s face it, There are enough units in town centre to cover this and at a risk of upsetting other businesses in town, there is a bigger picture to paint, much-needed employment to help with the ever-growing amount of purposed new houses for the area.

This once thriving market town needs to start reinventing itself.

However, once again, as so many times before, the objections and negative attitudes of a minority of residents and officials has put another strain on the town. Over the years, Dyson, Westinghouse and Hygrade have all moved away and business such as Asda Walmart have been turned away.

These are the businesses that come straight to my mind, I’m sure if I was to dig deeper into the ‘failed applications’ basket for Chippenham I would find plenty more.

Numerous times our elected officials have said that if residents aren’t happy then vote for change. The trouble with that is it’s too little too late. The damage has been done and Chippenham already has the reputation of a ghost town.

Sure we as a community can vote for change but I suggest residents should voice their concerns about the town at the next AGM of the town council.

A demand should be made by the town council for Wiltshire Council to attend and (as it did last year) Chippenham BID as well to answer questions from the public.

This town has too many businesses closing or moving away. Chippenham is suffering a slow and painful death and needs a kiss of life from a company who believes in the town and wants to get the blood pumping again. Business encourages further businesses and in turn that will help the economy of the town and give it a sense of purpose and a direction. We can build additional houses in the future but let’s make the town a place we are proud of now!

As it stands at the moment, because of situations such as this, Chippenham will continue to have a negative attitude for current and future business opportunities.

Organisations such as BID, the town and county councils have the infrastructure to move Chippenham forward, let's just hope it’s not too late for residents to trust them to do this. Chippenham’s loss could be another town’s gain.

ANDY HENLY, Chippenham