Town mayor says a poll not needed to decide £10,000 Tesco sweetener to Whittlesey- the finance and policy committee will sort it while Chatteris will wait for election

Whittlesey Town Council has ruled against using the Cambs Times to conduct a public poll on how to spend a £10,000 windfall from Tesco.

Town mayor David Mason said the sweetener from Tesco – compensation for pulling out of building a supermarket in the town- would be distributed through the council’s finance and policy committee.

Tesco had suggested a public vote through the Cambs Times when they meet councillors on April 1 but Cllr Mason said the town council had rejected the idea.

He said the sub committee would decide where to spend the money “for the good of the town”.

A further £10,000 has been handed to Chatteris but town clerk Joanna Melton said no decisions would be made on spending the money until after next month’s local election.

Fenland Council negotiated the £20,000 payment earlier this year.

A council spokesman said the community fund was a way for Tesco “to demonstrate their continued commitment to serving the residents of Chatteris and Whittlesey.

“The fund will focus on providing support in the shape of small grants to local charities, community groups and clubs.”

Tesco had earlier pulled out of opening their newly built store in Chatteris – the premises are now being marketed to find a new buyer.