Inaccuracies in Independent article

9.53.10am GMT Thu 9th Nov 2006

The Independent newspaper carried an article on Saturday, November 4th headed "Voice of the people prevails as Darlington rejects Tesco". This otherwise excellent article contained some inaccuracies, based on quotes from Tesco and the Council.

Quote, "A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council said Tesco had approached the Council two years ago with a plan..."

Well now, we all know it was over three years ago.

Quote, " A spokesman for Tesco said...There had only been draft plans and drawings for the redevelopment...in some ways we hadn't developed as far as plans."

Well now, as you'll see as I upload further extracts from the correspondence between Tesco and the Council, there was two years of detailed architects' involvement, right down to how many people would be working in various parts of the new town hall, how the existing sewers were going to be avoided and even where the Council's crest was going to appear on the new town hall.

Finally, "A Tesco spokesman said the company respected the views of the Council (what about the views of the people, Tesco?) but added it still hoped to find a suitable site in the town."

Don't you know when you're not wanted?