A CAMPAIGN group has created a YouTube video outlining objections to plans for a controversial supermarket in Llangollen.
But those supporting the Dobson and Crowther planning application have the backing of Clwyd South AM Ken Skates.
The developers, J-Ross Developments, say the move would safeguard 110 jobs and bring 130 new jobs to the town.
A 20,000 square foot supermarket and car park would be built on Dobson and
Crowther’s existing site by the town’s riverside if the plans are approved.
The company also hopes to build a new 45,000 sq ft envelope manufacturing facility by the A5 at Cilmedw.
Opposition group Keep Llangollen Special has produced a YouTube video explaining objections to the plans including the impact it could have on the environment and town centre trade.
They have also launched a petition against the plans.
A spokesman for the group said: “What decision-makers and planners rarely get to see is how the lives of people will be affected by the choices they make.
“This video is our attempt to get them to leave their desks and see how life is for us on the ground, without them having to leave their offices.”
They have sent links to the video to various people including AM John Griffiths, The Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development.
The group has also asked Mr Griffiths to call in the decision on the plans, which would mean he, rather than the local authority, would decide on whether or not to approve the application.
The petition, accessible on the group’s website, has more than 130 signatures so far.
A residents’ survey has also been carried out by the protest group, which returned 216 forms.
The survey results show 134 of the respondents felt it would be too far to walk to the new Dobson and Crowther store for their shopping.
But a supporting group, which has a Facebook page titled ‘Say yes to the new supermarket in Llangollen’, is encouraging people to write to Denbighshire County Council in favour of the plans.
John Evans from the group said: “We’ve found the majority of people who oppose the idea are people who were not bought up in the community.
“They’re people who have moved into the area for a quiet life, but the majority of local people support the idea.
“We’ve done a lot of research and have been speaking to local traders. Most of them are in favour because people still do a weekly supermarket shop but use independent traders for a daily shop.
“It’s not just about the supermarket, they’re talking about keeping the jobs local for the print factory as well.”
Mr Skates said: “This development is about ensuring jobs for hundreds of families in Llangollen and the surrounding area.
“The Cilmedw site has been earmarked by Denbighshire County Council for commercial development for many years now and as attractive as it may be for some to see Llangollen as a rural backwater away from the bustle of 21st Century life, the fact of the matter is that for the town to thrive, it needs to develop.
“Sadly, skilled jobs are all too hard to come by in the town and far too many young families – the lifeblood of any community – are having to move away simply to find well-paying work.
“This development will help stem this flow, building opportunities and ultimately, enabling our town to thrive.”
A public consultation held by J-Ross Developments last November showed 65 per cent of respondents supported the plans.
J-Ross chief executive Nick Scott said: “We were very encouraged by the strong level of local support for the scheme, which clearly recognises the benefits for both Dobson and Crowther and the wider Llangollen area”.
The developers say the new supermarket would not include an in-store butcher, in order to complement rather than compete with the town’s high street.
A spokesman for Denbighshire County Council said the application was still in the consultation stage and a date had yet to be decided for it to come before the planning committee.
The plans are available for inspection online at www.denbighshire.gov.uk and in hard copy form at Llangollen Library.