The Referendum

Who organised it and how ?

The ballot was organised by the Electoral Reform Society on behalf of the WHAG. All costs were met by the WHAG Fighting Fund and its supporters

It was a postal ballot.

What area and how many people were balloted ?

7,340 people were balloted in the immediate area surrounding the proposed store.

The boundaries of the area covered by the postal ballot were Sheen Lane to the West, Glebe Road to the East, Barnes High Street and Church Road to the north and the railway line to the south.

This area was chosen deliberately as it is the area Sainsbury’s themselves nominated as being their target market.

The Results

These are the results of the postal ballot, as confirmed by the Electoral Reform Society :

Thursday 21^st June 2007

REFERENDUM ON PROPOSED SAINSBURY’S DEVELOPMENT

The report of voting in the above ballot, which closed at Noon on Thursday 21^st June 2007, is as follows:

Question

Do you support the proposed development of a new Sainsbury’s on White Hart Lane in Barnes?

Result

Number of eligible voters...................................... 7721

Number of ballot papers returned............................. 4756

Overall rate of participation.................................. 61.6%

Total number blank or spoilt...................................... 7

Therefore, total number of valid votes counted ............. 4749

Number voting Yes................           687            (14.5% of the valid vote)

Number voting No.................          4062            (85.5% of the valid vote)

                                                 ________

                         TOTAL                    4749            (100% of the valid vote)

Ballot papers will be stored securely for six months before being destroyed.

Yours sincerely

Ben Lewis

Project Manager

Quick figures

1. 85% of voters voted NO

2. Turnout was higher than in the last General election.