mercuryg

Incidentally, sad that the story made front page of the News Post Leader on the day Lidl issued the statement!

This could be our next campaign! Great idea!!

Latest on the willow tree and Lidl; Lidl has released an official statement on the matter andf while we - the campaigners - have not got the result we wanted, we feel it appropriate to state we are satisfied with the explanation, and thank Lidl for taking the time to consider the situation. For anyone interested, it's here: http://www.lidl.co.uk/en/12946.htm

HPW has a knack for putting you right in the thick of it! Love these posts, truly educational.

He asked a valid question: what is the benefit to Bedlington? Far from trolling, I'm inviting you, the one who is clearly more educated and in tune with the subject, to give him an answer. Why not? I don't have it, you're the man.

I'm not sure I would class monstas contributions as 'fight' Brian! I think he just posts obtuse stuff to stir the pot. Still, it's good fun!

I was. I was directly involved.

Why not answer Tony's question?

You needed to edit that?

Are you? If you're so concerned about these trees, are you doing anything about it? What about the regeneration of the town in general? Did you get off your backside and Make a Noise last year? Or are you one of those who sits back and whinges that there's nothing in Bedlington, and leaves it to others to do something? Or are you simply apathetic about everything? Some of us actually care about local causes, what's the matter with that?

Absolutely; a lot of research has been undertaken, a lot of advice given, and a lot of people have been involved. They are, buy and large, locals who have alos been inspired by recent events that have, directly or indirectly, shown how community spirit and a show of support by those in the community can go at least some way to inspiring change and improvement. In other words, the 'get off your backside and do something rather than whining about it'. Let's have more of it, whether it's about a tree or not.

That is likely to be the problem Malcolm, with the cost naturally being the prohibitive factor. Monsta, that doesn't really dignify a response.

What a daft response Monsta! If you bother to take the time to read any of the comments from the campaigners you'll see immediately this isn't about the tree OR Lidl's, but the tree AND Lidl's. Most of us are for the new store, but would like to see if it's possible to incorporate a very beautiful and established tree into the plans. What's wrong with that? As someone working in marketing, for Lidl this is an opportunity; "Lidl's provides much needed store to run-down town and preserves much-loved ancient tree". Of course, I'm looking at it from a purely personal view; I understand they will look at it from a business point of view. At least, so it seems, we are getting them to actually look at it.

Indeed. Malcolm; As I said, I don't hold much hope, especially as the tree was refused s preservation order, but as with such things, it's good to see a community spirit prevailing. Nickaila's petition has more than 2000 names now, which is a pretty inpressive achievement over 'just a tree'. The other point I should make is that I'm 100% in favour of the store.

Eggy wrote: "mercuryg - the campaigners are waiting for a response from the email that was sent to Lidl on the subject of this tree." Thanks, I am aware of this, I am one of them! I wrote the press release for the Chronicle, An email has been sent to Lidl MD too. Nice picture of 'the other' Willo. "Eh..... Let's think maybe it's in the road and they'd have to spend thousands drawing up New plans." No, it's not; it's in the car park area. I believe the problem will be a barrier to the root system. I'm not holding my breath on this - I don't think Lidl will back down - but we can but try!

Monsta, if Lidl will plant another to replace it, why not keep the existing one? That would be a much bigger PR coup for them.

Very true Monsta, and I'm low income myself, but I'm willing to support a local venture if they can provide me with quality produce at a sensible - even if it's not discount - price. Furthermore, I often see local unemployed people - many of whom I know - in the queue with me at Moby's, Best Bite, the Red Lion, and of course, that's up to them. If they can afford five quid for fish and chips or a pizza, well, what's an extra quid on your fresh fruit?

Have a great day Brett.

Don't think of it as competition, but as an alternative. We're always banging on about needing small, independent shops, so let's support it; of course, your oranges will cost a little more, but what's a few pennies? I'll be popping in later to see what's up.

Same here, but no use for Moe in this instance.

I've heard good reports already and will be visiting soon. Good luck, and well done on bringing to the town something we need.

OK, so in twenty years we will all be tried in Sharia courts, will we? As for 'what I don't understand', no, I understand, I simply don't think they're right. After all, not everything a politician tells you is right, is it?

You can, of course, but I think you're a little wide of the mark. Whilst I also disagree with the EU meddling with our legal system, I am referring to things that are far more widespread, worldwide indeed. As we both know, the internet crosses many boundaries, and is open to abuse in many ways; I've watched with interest as the goalpoasts are being gradually moved closer; whereas five years ago I could write as I wished, nowadays (thankfully) I work to certain rules and within given parameters. It's not to do with law, as such, but with the intention to streamline content and increase relevance. Or, in other words, to satisfy the Great God Google...

I doubt it has anything to do with the title, 3G, and is far less sinister than you believe. The online world is becoming ever more carefully policed - as much as it can be - thanks to it being used by some to intimidate and abuse; this will become even more evident to all in time. The rules surrounding what I am allowed to write in my commercial articles, used by others for promotion and SEO purposes, are far, far more stringent than even three, four years ago now; I would suggest that someone has been posting material contrary to the regulations on personal information with regard to Mr Elton John, which his people have asked to be removed.

Bloody hell 3G, you're a plug nerd? I'm impressed!