Anger at Unthank Tesco
Story idea: Stuart Lamb
Independent businesses along Unthank Road are reeling from the effects of their new big neighbour. Since construction work started on the Tesco site, one shop has seen its income from passing trade halved.
Kevin Plumstead, who runs Elizabeths The Florists has felt the full effect of having a Tesco building site opposite his shop. Not only has his income been hit since the building work started, but he says none of the traders have been given any notice: “They’re so big and brash. They can get away with what they want to get away with. Communication between Tesco and local businesses on Unthank Road has been non-existent. We’re not aware of anything they’re going to do or when they’re going to do it.”
While he’s not against development, and believes the supermarket will attract more trade, he’s angry at Tesco’s attitude to existing traders: “I’m against the way Tesco bully their way through every part of business, whether it’s the application process or planning.”
Temporary traffic lights, which were meant to be removed after a week, are also causing a headache. Robin Knell, who works for the butchers, Frank Spurgeon’s, says they’ve affected parking: “Parking has been murder in the last 2 weeks. Trade is down about 20%. We’ll be loosing 2 or 3 bays when they put in the pelican crossing when there wasn’t enough parking even before they started.” No new parking will be built on the Tesco site, apart from 2 disabled bays.
Residents also complain about tailbacks caused by deliveries during rush hour. Last week, 2 buses became wedged as they tried to pass each other, where the traffic lights have been introduced. Traffic backed up along Unthank Road as the drivers tried to squeeze past each other.
A spokesperson for Tesco said: “For all of our sites there is a dedicated helpline number for people for any questions, complaints or concerns. This number -0800 028 6428- is on the hoardings around the site… We are happy to help but we do need people who have any concerns to contact us so we can deal with it.” The temporary traffic lights are due to be removed by next Friday. The store is due to be completed by mid July 2010.
Story idea submitted by: Stuart Lamb
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