1,400 sign against Whitchurch Tesco plan
Monday 21st February 2011, 11:29AM GMT.
About 1,400 people have signed a petition against controversial plans by Tesco to build a new store in Whitchurch, as the first glimpses of the scheme went on public view.
Proposals involve converting the existing premises in White Lion Meadow into a “Metro” store, while creating a superstore and petrol station in Edgeley Park.
They also involve the re-development of Whitchurch Rugby and Hockey Club. In all, Tesco says the plans would sustain 300 jobs.
The wraps came off the scheme at a public exhibition on Friday and Saturday at Whitchurch Civic Centre which was greeted by mixed reaction from residents.
Campaign group WH21 held a peaceful protest opposing plans outside the civic centre on Friday.
It wants Tesco to expand its current town centre store rather than create a new one in Edgeley Park.
But supporters of the scheme say it will be a big boost for the town.
As part of the project, which is being proposed in conjunction with developer Mercian Developments, there would also be significant upgrading and extension to White Lion Meadow car park and the relocation of the bus terminus.
Developers say if plans get given the go ahead they hope to re-develop the rugby club by next autumn.
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Are these reputed 300 full time equivalents or part-time workers?
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Its over 1600 signatures now. They don’t say whether they are full or part time.
Who are the supporters who say it will be a big boost to the town? Mercian Developments are saying that but then they would wouldn’t they?
The rugby club members will get a big bag of cash but they don’t seem bothered by what will happen to our town centre?
The Shropshire Star have got it wrong. It is not IN Whitchurch. It is to be built just outside so it is an out of town superstore. What should we think about Tesco’s promises about the White lion Meadow improvement and a promise to only sell small electrical goods etc? Perhaps people in Shrewsbury can tell us whether they can be trusted.
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Andy, I think you will find the number won’t be anything like that and at least half will be part time anyway, Greg you’ll be pleased to know the Petition is now at 1700! Tesco cannot be trusted as a business, just check out http://www.tescopoly.org they are perfectly able to redevelop the store they already have by moving the swimming baths, community centre and Fire Station out to Edgeley Park so the Rugby Club gets a redevelopment if thats all they are bothered about and the town keeps the store next to the High Street. The Metro idea is simply a way of stopping another supermarket from getting a foothold. The town needs choice not 2 Tesco’s! Hopefully the whole idea will be thrown out and then a proper discussion can be had on making improvements to White Lion Meadow area that the townsfolk want and not what’s dictated to them…..
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