A survey of Ashtead residents has almost unanimously backed the continuation of long-term parking in the village.

Save Ashtead’s Village Environment (Save) organised the survey to gauge public opinion about Tesco’s plans to build a new supermarket and short-stay car park in the village.

Gillian Russell, representing Save, said: "A huge thank you to everyone who completed our questionnaire. Given that Tesco own the land, Save would only support a much smaller basket store akin to an Express size, with parking provided on-site for staff, delivery vehicles and some customers, contained wholly within the old Esso site”.

Over 2,250 responses were received with 97 per cent agreeing that short-term parking should remain in the village and 78 per cent supporting a smaller convenience store.

A public enquiry held last year decided that the 750sqm store could only be built if 74 long-term car parking spaces were moved out of the Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall, leaving only 180 four hour short stay spaces.

Mrs Russell added: “These results are consistent with the view we expressed during the planning process and suggest that a smaller store could offer a ‘win-win’ outcome, which could complement existing traders’ activities and provide a more sustainable solution, whilst maintaining the essential character of the heart of the village.”

The results were presented to Councillor James Friend, Leader of Mole Valley District Council, he said: “Thanks to everyone involved in collating this representative set of opinions from Ashtead residents.

“We will do nothing unless residents tell us that they have a scheme with Tesco that they want us to consider.”

The questionnaire, which was launched in November, was delivered to over 6,000 homes across Ashtead.