downleypc

We welcome your thoughts and observations

Totally in support of these lovely hard working people. Fantastic improvement to the village and loving the variety of interesting foods on offer, in particular all the fresh fruit and veg, so beautifully displayed along the front of the store. I tend to walk there almost every day now, instead of taking the car to the main supermarkets. Improving my health and reducing pollution!

Its almost as if we had the Post Office back, a place to meet friends and neighbours, now we no longer have our children at school.

I do hope that everyone will keep a close eye on the retrospective planning application which I understand has been made, and make sure the outcome is in favour of Starlight's improvements.

According to Wycombe District Council, in 2008 there was some dispute over erection of air conditioning units and 'unauthorised' signs. The writer was subsequently 'disappointed' to learn of the erection of bright green shutters, without seeking formal planning permission. (As they are not permanent structures the proprietors of Starlight believed permission was unnecessary).

The WDC representative went on to state that 'the shutters are not considered to enhance the special character of the downley Conservation Area, and if they were allowed to remain, they would set a detrimental precedent for other shops in the High Street to follow suit'.

a) they look nice
b) they are only on view at night anyway
c) Downley High Street was hardly the subject for a picture postcard in recent years - no offence! The attractive and colourful display we now have at Starlight is a distinct improvement, surely?
d) so we are scared the pub, hairdresser, Altea and Dingocroft might 'follow suit' with brightly coloured shutters? Unlikely........but it wouldn't half brighten the place up a bit at night!

Well that's my two pennorth. I just hope everyone else who is enjoying our new look Starlight Stores will take a little time to make sure we don't lose it.