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Fight goes on to save shoe factory
An action group opposed to the demolition of a derelict factory has promised to carry on fighting, despite a ruling saying the site will be used for a supermarket.
The two-year saga over the empty building came to an end last week when Kettering Council's executive committee decided not to refurbish the 200-year-old Lawrence factory building in Harborough Road, Desborough.
The council bought the former shoe factory for 2m in 2005 and since then there has been a debate about its future.
Members of the Ar Tarn Action Group, which opposes the supermarket, said last week's decision was not the end of the road.
Lucy Clements lives in one of the cottages in Harborough Road which could be demolished as part of the development.
She said: "This is not the end and we will carry on fighting.
"The action group will carry on having regular meetings and deciding exactly what our next step will be.
"The decision last week was not a planning application.
"If and when the council receives a planning application, the next part of the fight starts."
Miss Clements said that residents could be only metres away from supermarket refrigeration units if one is built on the site.
During last week's meeting committee members said it was vital the town was not allowed to stagnate.
Cllr Chris Smith-Haynes said she sympathised with people living around the factory but said the council had to consider the good of the whole community.
Other councillors said it was crucial Desborough was not allowed to "fall into recession" for the next 10 years.
Paula Holmes, secretary of the Ar Tarn Action Group, said: "We are speaking to English Heritage about the site and are working with legal people for help on how we would put forward any objections to a planning application."
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Weather for Kettering
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
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