GAZETTE &HERALD: Disappointed residents are set to approach Somerfield with the aim of working with the store to resolve issues surrounding new illuminated signs in the town's conservation area.

Residents were upset after the district council overruled the town council on September 29 and voted to allow Somerfield to place four illuminated signs at their Mill Street store.

Despite 11 letters of objection and a petition with 13 names being submitted, the district council passed the application.

Coun Tom Briggs said at the district council meeting: "It's next to a grade one listed church and is therefore not appropriate and I would like to see it rejected on those grounds."

Adding to his views after the meeting Coun Briggs said: "I am disappointed because I thought we had a fairly good case being in a conservation area and by a grade one listed building.

"We have got a lot of other shops in the conservation area that have put in for illuminated signs and they've been turned down, although they have been on listed buildings.

"What I am proposing to do is contact Somerfield and find someone I can speak to and see whether they are prepared to work with the local people and tone it down."

Lucy Hemmings, widow of the actor David Hemmings, whose home backs on to Somerfield, said she was surprised at the lack of support from town councillors at the meeting.

She said: "We feel very surprised that Councillor Briggs was not supported by other members of the town council.

"Due to lack of support from fellow councillors we have decided the best way forward is to speak to Somerfield.

"Let's all work together rather than against each other."