Witney needs better choice of supermarkets (From Witney Gazette)

And I suppose you would like a big superstore built out of town? So taking trade away from the Town Centre so Witney becomes another Ghost Town like so many in this country?
I am happy to pay a little more and enjoy a vibrant and lively Town Centre with a choice of shops.

I couldn't agree more with Lin Laylor and as for Johnny S' comment, how fortunate for him that he can afford to pay more than he needs to for his shopping! Also what is wrong with an out of town store? I'm sure the majority, like myself, drive to Sainsbury's for groceries, put them in the car and drive straight home again, without going in to the 'vibrant and lively town centre'

Slightly bemused! How many supermarkets do people need, We have Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Co-op, and a M&S Food hall and multiple Tesco's Express stores all within walking distance for most who live in Witney it now looks like we are to get a Morrisons in Carterton all have access to free parking.Personally I think were spoilt for choice

I agree with Dogman2. Leisure and necessity shopping are separate activities. In most towns, the big supermarkets and DIY stores for that matter are usually on the periphery for good reason (limited room and parking) and I don't see how that affects trade in town centres. When I do a food shop, I just want to get it home as soon as I can and I am not thinking about clothes shopping or going for coffee on the same trip. A supermarket away from the town centre that might relieve traffic and may be that could help Witney's congestion. I think the Morrisons at Carterton will dominate the town centre to its detriment- it's simply out of scale and in the wrong place, leaving the town with little room for anything else.

Try going to Bicester and Abingdon and having a walk around their town centres.
Then compare the range of shops to Witney. It is no comparision.
Wonder where the people form these towns do their shopping - the big out of town supermarkets perhaps?
Only my opinion obviously, but i know what i prefer.

I do agree with you Johnny- Witney town centre is a triumph and we are lucky to have it. I don't know Bicester, but I imagine the deision to build the shopping village will have impacted the town centre the most. Abingdon was no doubt affected by Tescos to start with, but I am not sure that this is to do with the location of the store- more likely it's the range of goods sold, as the store there sells everything. Abingdon town centre isn't too bad now- it has a Fat Face and other decent shops and good pubs and cafes. It's retained character by not having a megastore at its heart. It's certainly more attractive to shoppers than Carterton, where I feel a large Morrisons will affect the small grocers and bakers etc. right alongside. Chipping Norton is a much smaller town than Carterton and yet the town centre is quite vibrant without a major store. It has good shops and restaurants and a certain charm. Returning to Witney- the town centre was a little run down a few years ago even when it had a Waitrose and a Sainsburys- it was Marriott's Walk that transformed it and that is the sort of development that creates an attractive and inviting retail experience and encourages leisure shopping. With internet shopping rife, to thrive, town centres need to get their image right. They shouldn't focus on necessity shopping, but on delivering a shoping experience, which is more enjoyable than sitting at a computer. Mean time, moving bulk necessity shopping (which in my view doesn't generally compete with leisure shopping) slightly away from the hub, relieves traffic.

There is a really large Tesco and Asda at Swindon ... just a short ride away.

Alternatively you could always shop on line! Then the world is your oyster!!!