TAVISTOCK Chamber of Commerce last week announced that the majority of its members had voted to object to proposals to develop a foodstore on the old Focus site on Plymouth Road Industrial Estate.

The chamber last week held an extraordinary meeting at which a ballot on the issue was held. On Friday, it was announced that 70% of members who voted had objected to the proposals.

A planning application for a Tesco supermarket by site owners Marchfield Properties has been submitted to West Devon Borough Council, which has just completed its consultation stage.

Chamber chairman Nigel Eadie said: 'I'm delighted that we've received such solid support from our members. It's a clear, unequivocal endorsement of our position.

'As a democratic body I hope all our members will now get behind us, as we move forward on what we know will be a difficult path.

'With so many good things happening in the town, such as "Totally Locally", and BID, it's crucial that everyone pulls together, and supports this remarkable market town.'

Mr Eadie said he had been 'genuinely, but pleasantly surprised' that even local residents had been discovering the huge range of goods that could be bought in Tavistock.

'I hope that initiatives like the "Fiver Fest" will continue to show that you don't have to travel miles to get quality products, at sensible prices — you can get them here in the town.

'I believe this is something worth fighting for, and I know many other people feel the same way.'

However, following the announcement, there has been a call for the full disclosure of the vote result from managing director of Fairway Furniture Peter Harding, who had led the call for the chamber to hold a ballot.

He said: 'When the ballot papers were circulated we were advised, in writing, that when the results were released they would "relate to the number of members who voted, and how many voted for and against the motion".

'As such we would like to see these figures published, so we can better understand how many of the eligible members voted for and against a supermarket being built in Tavistock.'

Mr Harding said he hoped any chamber members who were disappointed with the outcome of the ballot would 'stay the course' and not resign from the chamber.

He added that he was delighted to see so many chamber members attend the EGM.

'It showed how passionate businesses are about Tavistock and its future. It is this passion, determination and togetherness that will ensure the town survives the challenges created by the current tough economic conditions and starts to flourish once more as the economy continues to improve.'

Mr Eadie said procedures for the voting had been followed 'to the letter'. The turnout of members who voted was 63%, which the chamber felt was a good turnout and ultimately gave it a strong mandate to formally object to the planning application.