A MEETING to decide how to carry out a public inquiry into whether Wimborne’s Waitrose has been built on a town green was overtaken by impassioned calls for campaigners to give up their fight.

Dorset County Council’s roads and rights of ways committee decided on Monday that it would investigate Keep Wimborne Town Green’s Town Green Application for Hanham’s Ground rather than appointing an independent inspector at a cost of £11,000.

KWTG Chairman Philip Atlay, who has a petition of 409 people claiming to have used the land and wanted an inspector-led inquiry, said: “There is a view that this application is a vexatious, last-minute spoiling tactic.

“This is not the case. We have only ever sought to protect a much loved open space.”

More than 20 opponents felt it was time to lay the argument, which could see the store declared illegal, to rest but officers advised the committee that everyone should get the chance to have their say.

Pointing out that some of KWTG’s supporters come from America, France and Australia, Cllr Robin Cook said: “In 30 years working next to the cricket pitch I have never been invited to any event on it.

“The committee should throw this out – there is no appetite within Wimborne for it whatsoever.”

Wimborne Town and East Dorset District councillor Pat Hymers agreed, saying: “When Waitrose got planning permission we rejoiced that we would at last have a dreamed of open space for play, picnics and to support the wildlife that we hardly ever saw before.

“There are serious doubts in everybody’s mind that we have ever had a town green.”

Martin Tidd says no traders support the cause.

“This is more about a group of people trying to get their way as a last ditch attempt,” he said.

“For the council to pick up the bill on the say of about 16 or 17 people is totally wrong.

“ It is a waste of our money.”

Lawyers and the cricket pitch’s old groundsman speaking in support of Waitrose argued the ground was locked.

A date and venue for the non-statutory public inquiry will be decided.