AFTER a glimmer of hope their town could be ‘saved’ from an unwanted supermarket, Northwood people took a fresh blow.

Sainsbury’s confirmed last week they are still working with Transport for London, the owners of the land in Station Approach where the store could be built, despite TfL announcing earlier this month that they are adjusting their plans to bring them in line with the local campaign against the development.

On January 9, TfL’s director of commercial development, Graeme Craig, wrote to Nick Hurd, MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner promising to come up with a new plan more suited to the needs of the town following a huge campaign to stop plans.

On receiving the letter on January 9, Mr Hurd and members of campaign group Save Our Northwood (SON) spoke of how pleased they were that it seemed they were finally being listened to.

Mr Hurd says he was delighted that TfL had ‘heard the voice of Northwood’ and the campaign had got the attention of senior decision makers.

But last week, Sainsbury’s said they remain committed to building a supermarket on the station site.

“Our plans have not been dropped and we will continue to work with TfL and the developer,” said a spokesperson.

“We are continuing to work closely with TfL on the development plans for Northwood.

“We remain committed to building a supermarket on the station site that would be suitable to meet the needs of the local community.”

Tony Ellis, chairman of SON, said he has written to Mr Hurd and Mr Craig for clarification.

“Sainsbury’s’ statement conflicts with the contents of TfL’s letter,” he said.

“The way they have treated their Northwood tenants is scandalous.

“Therefore, they have an enormous trust deficit with us that is going to take a very long time to overcome.”

Mr Hurd said he has pressed TfL on the need to try and keep some of the independent shops in Station Approach which could be built over, and to treat all tenants fairly, and says they agree.

A pre-consultation meeting with Mr Craig SON and councillors will be held next month.