ORGANISERS of a special meeting to debate the future of the former Sainsbury supermarket hope to welcome supporters of the controversial plan as well as those who oppose the scheme.

The issue has prompted much interest among the community and it was thought a separate area board meeting was needed to discuss the plans.

Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting on Wednesday, March 5 at the Longfield Suite from 7.30pm.

It is hoped a representative from Richardsons, the company behind the scheme along with Countryside Residential Properties, will also be on hand to answer any questions.

Chairman of the area board, Coun Paul Nesbit, said: "I would like to see people who are for the proposals as well. The meeting is not just for the objectors."

Coun Nesbit said due to the expected size of the meeting, public debate would be strictly controlled to allow as many people as possible to speak.

He said: "Each speaker will be allowed up to three minutes to make their point and can only speak once during the meeting. That way as many people as possible will get the chance to have their say."

Coun Nesbit said he intended to close the meeting by 9.30pm.

A regular area board meeting will be held as planned on Thursday, March 20 at Sedgley Park Primary School.