29/4/2008

Local News in Aldershot

Protests against new Tesco

AN action day aimed at fighting plans to build a Tesco Express store in Ash Vale attracted dozens of local shoppers at the weekend.

A crowd of people gathered outside the Malli Convenience Store in Vale Road as Blackwater Valley Friends of the Earth launched its ‘Shop Local Campaign’ in response to a scheme to convert a disused industrial site in Lysons Avenue into a branch of the supermarket chain.

Local traders, including Pargan Singh Malli, whose shop Malli Store is less than a minute’s walk away from the proposed store, were tied up using Tesco tape in a bid to demon-strate the effect it could have on other businesses in the parish.

Banners with the messages ‘Shop Local First - Less Food Miles’ and ‘Yes To Shop Local’ were held aloft by members of the charity and residents who joined the campaign.

A leaflet telling residents about the store, which promis-es to bring “competitive prices, improved service and better ranges including more fresh produce” seven days a week, was distributed to householders in Ash, Tongham and Mytchett in February.

It sparked concern among residents and village traders, who feared it could force them out of business.

"Absolute nightmare"

Mr Malli, who also owns Woodstock Store in Frimley Road, estimated his shops would survive no more than two years if a Tesco Express was built in Ash Vale.

Petitions opposing the plan in both shops have attracted more than 1,500 signatures.

Campaign leader Rick Kimber was pleased with the turnout. He said: “There is a lot of local interest and opposition to the proposal for a Tesco Express in Ash Vale, which shows there is a lot of satisfaction in having local convenience stores. People realise the benefits of local shops in that it means they get local produce and a friendly reception.

“The ‘Shop Local First’ campaign urges people to support their local shops. Unless shopping habits change independent shops like Malli Store will disappear.

"Local shops like these are a real asset to the community but the power of the big supermarkets is squeezing small suppliers and soon we could be left with little choice of where to do our shopping. We want shoppers in the Blackwater Valley area to change their shopping habits and support local shops to stop independent shops like Malli Stores from disappearing.”

Mr Malli said his suppliers such as Sheldons Bakery in Farnborough and Secretts Garden Centre in Milford would also be affected.

The father of five added: “Businesses all over Ash will be affected by this if it is allowed.

“I have worked extremely hard to build trust with my customers. I have people come to my shop every day who leave money on the counter while I mark up the newspapers. That kind of relationship is one that can only be built in a local shop like this, not a chain like Tesco.”

He was delighted to see so many local people turn out to support the campaign.

Store leaflet

The Tesco plan includes a 17-space car park and offices on the upper level of the two-storey building.

Denise Smith, 54, of Lysons Avenue, said: “The delivery trucks are going to be an absolute nightmare. There is a right place for big chains like Tesco and Ash Vale is not right.

“People are going to be disturbed early in the morning and late at night, not to men-tion the extra traffic and pollution. Everyone can see from the leaflet that with parking for staff working in the store and offices above there won’t be enough room for customers. The site is simply not big enough.”

Mr Kimber said another action day would be held when a planning application was submitted to Guildford Borough Council next month. He added: “According to government planning policy the key issue is that there has to be a need, and as far as I can see at the moment there is no need for a Tesco Express in Ash Vale.”

A Tesco spokeswoman said the leaflet, which asked people in 4,000 homes within half a mile of the site to submit their views on the proposal, showed 61% in favour, 31% against and 6% undecided.

She added: “We understand people’s concerns. Wherever we propose a Tesco store there are always concerns about a variety of things, all to do with change, but in our experience Express stores keep people shopping in their local area.

“The retail trade is always going to be competitive, which is a good thing for the consumer. Often people get in their car and out of their local area to shop but Express stores act as an anchor to keep people shopping locally. In areas where Express stores have been built some traders have seen their business increase because more people are shopping locally.”

With regard to the issue of parking, she said: “Having put many stores in across the country we think the car park will provide sufficient space for staff and customers - 58% of people who responded to the consultation said they would walk to the Express.”

First printed in: Aldershot News and Mail