A REFERENDUM to decide if Caldicot’s school playing fields should be sold off to a supermarket will take place on May 26.

It was decided to hold a community poll on the proposal following a public meeting last month.

In total, 58 people voted, with 54 residents in favour of the referendum on the future of the fields at Caldicot Comprehensive, while four were against the poll.

Monmouthshire Council yesterday confirmed that the vote will take place between 4pm and 9pm on May 26, with counting taking place immediately after stations close.

Residents can vote in five locations. These are: Durand Primary School Nursery, the Scout Centre on Sandy Lane, St Paul’s Community Hall, Ysgol y Ffin and the main hall at West End School.

The local authority wants to sell off four acres of the school’s playing fields for a supermarket, using the cash from the sale to rebuild the school.

Following consultation, local people said there is a need for a new supermarket in the town, but building one on the school fields could threaten trade in the town centre.

The proposals have faced opposition from Caldicot Town Council and the school with the community poll called after 10 residents sent a referendum request to the local authority.

Voting is open to registered electors of the five wards within the remit of Caldicot Town Council. For comfirmation of which polling station to use, call 01633 644212.