Traders' Tesco anger

Maxwell Kusi Obodum • Published 12 Nov 2011 23:00 7 Comments

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ANGRY traders have launched a campaign to block grocery giant Tesco's bid to transform a boarded-up pub into its 13th Reading store.

They fear the supermarket chain's plans for a Tesco Express at the former Westside pub in Tilehurst Road, west Reading, will be a "disaster" for them.

Shashi Bhatti of JR Newsagents has already 100 signatures on a petition - a new shop would add to existing pressure from the Tesco Extra in Portman Road and the Tesco Express in Oxford Road - both less than a mile away.

She said: "They are being like big bullies and it is going to be a disaster for local business. There's enough already in Reading. None of the local people are happy with it."

Similar arguments were used last month when councillors rejected plans for a Tesco Express at Parsons Garage in Oxford Road, but Tesco bought the pub site in July and by law can convert it into a convenience store without going through the normal planning channels.

Conversion work is under way but councillors must still approve an application to sell alcohol from 7am-11pm, seven days a week, and give planning permission for a cash machine and exterior changes.

Mum-of-two Cecilia Openheim, of nearby Somerstown Court, prefers a supermarket to a pub but said: "It's just happened so quickly. We weren't told about it and we're concerned about lack of parking and that customers will block us in."

But Tesco spokesman Simon Petar said: "We have contacted local residents to make them aware of our proposals and the new jobs the store will create."

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 10 Nov 11

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

RDG_Common
Unregistered User
Nov 14, 04:20
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Will they have to apply for a licence? if it was a pub before then the alcohol licence may only be transfered over!!! So No opportunity for a petition.

But you have to ask a question; When Tesco opens a store it creates say 10 / 15 jobs per small store, if a local independant opens a store unless you are family how many jobs are created?

Also "None of the Local People are happy with it" how many local people will use the store? Loads at Tesco can offer what people want! Food at a Good Price were you don't get sold overpriced food and drinks.

Recommend? Yes 57 No 4
NotJohn
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Nov 14, 10:57
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Is this about local traders wanting to keep their trade in selling items at inflated prices or it about maintaining diversity of supply (not having too many shops owned by the same company)?

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Common Cents
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Nov 14, 11:05
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I won't be shopping there; will continue to use either the Polish delis (Pszczulka/Malinka), the corner shop on Waylen Street/Baker Street or M&S at the BP garage. I have a real problem with Tesco and really resent their encroachment.

Recommend? Yes 6 No 53
L E V I A T H A N
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Nov 14, 22:48
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It may be a disaster for 'them' but won't be for those who like Tesco's budget prices and don't fancy overpriced and/or out-of-date goods from a cornershop. It is called free enterprise, Tesco are doing nothing underhand nor displaying anything other than sound business sense. I wonder if the above retailers can say the same? Tesco will also bring job opportunities to Reading which needless to say is quite relevant in today's economy. If the competition don't like it they can always look elsewhere to ply their wares. I hear Slough is quite radiant this time of year...

Recommend? Yes 40 No 5
razia iqbal
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Nov 15, 16:13
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The opponents are only scared because they know it will highlight just how overpriced their goods are!!! Ironically, I saw my local Asian cornershop owner stocking up on a load of the Buy One Get Two free offers that were on in Tesco a few weeks ago, most if not all of which ended up on his shelves!!!

Recommend? Yes 42 No 2
The Level
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Nov 20, 13:15
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Perhaps these cornershops could take a leaf out of the Tesco guide and offer reasonable prices and also pay their taxes? Just a thought. Smirk.

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******
Nov 21, 20:18
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Commoner
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Nov 26, 18:11
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Tesco are also appealing a refusal decision from West Berks Council, to turn the former Rising Sun pub in Burghfield Common into a Tesco Express.

Application 11/01196/FULD, Associated Documents - Grounds for Appeal, for reference.

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