CAMPAIGNERS presented councillors with their petition of more than 2,000 signatures against the proposed £100m West Way shopping development last night. Members of West Way Community Concern are fighting against the plans from developer Doric for the proposed revamp of Botley’s shopping centre.

And at the Vale of White Horse District Council meeting at Abingdon’s Guildhall they put forward the petition calling on the authority not to grant the development permission. The scheme would lead to the demolition of the shopping centre and Elms Parade to make way for a supermarket, cinema, health centre, shops and 600 student flats. Caroline Potter, a Botley resident and member of West Way Community Concern, told the meeting: “We present you with real voices, from real people, who have very real and well-founded objections to Doric’s aggressive proposals.”

Councillor Debby Hallett said: “People deserve a say on what happens to their community, their lives, their sense of well-being. I think this council has a moral responsibility to ensure they do have a say about what happens to them.”

Council leader Matthew Barber said: “We must acknowledge the scale of concern as shown by the petition this evening.”

He warned the council had limited powers, but he said he had already written to Doric and was happy to urge the developer again to meet residents.