Local MP, Maria Miller, visited Sainsbury’s in Hatch Warren and met community Manager Jason to discuss how the pandemic has affected staff and shoppers, and to discuss Maria’s petition to designate Old Down as a Local Nature Reserve.
Maria said: “Supermarket workers have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic, and I want to pay tribute to their vital work supporting our community, in particular the way retailers like Sainsbury’s have provided special services to people who are vulnerable.
“Sainsbury’s have already done so much to help improve Beggarwood Park, which is a designated local nature reserve, including planting trees over many years. This petition to the Borough Council would give the same local nature reserve protected status to Old Down on the other side of the A30.
“Many residents, including Sainsbury’s staff would benefit from Old Down being designated as a nature reserve; protecting this important area of green space and ensuring it is managed properly for years to come. So, I have visited the store to raise awareness of the campaign and to ask as many people as possible to sign up to the petition which will be presented to the Council by in March. More than 4000 signatories online would mean a debate on designating Old Down a Local Nature Reserve at the Council Meeting.
“Old Down is so important to so many local people as a place to walk, exercise and unwind; and it supports and enhances the local ecology and important wildlife habitats. Everyone who values Old Down needs to sign the online petition to show their support.
“I am calling on the Borough Council to designate Old Down as a Local Nature Reserve and to protect this important place for years to come. ”
To support the petition, please visit: