Telford traders fear Tesco bid forcing closures

Furious traders today said they were being forced to shut up shop to make way for 'the big boys' as part of a £2.3 million revamp of an area of Telford.

Upset business owners and their customers say it is the end of an era as the shutters go down on 12 businesses in Hadley High Street. Demolition of the shops will begin in June and will pave the way for new shops and a Tesco Express.

Building work is expected to last 12 months

Traders say the Telford & Wrekin Council scheme has ripped the heart out of Hadley which 'will have nothing' for 18 months while the development is built.

Several shops have already shut, with three more due to close this weekend – a launderette, cake shop and greengrocers.

Lesley Dayus, who owns Hadley Fruit, said: "I am unemployed from next week. About 20 people will lose their jobs down here – all so a Tesco Express can move in.

"I feel gutted and the council has gone about this in totally the wrong way. They have just ripped out the heart of Hadley.

"We were not invited back because Tesco Express do not want anybody selling what they sell within a certain radius. We are being forced out by the big boys. It's a shame."

Some traders have relocated within Hadley, while the council has offered units to some of the businesses. But traders say a move is too expensive and they are being forced to close.

Hairdressers Hairline, which has been in Hadley since the 1970s, will shut on March 24 with all six stylists deciding to go mobile.

Kathleen Lee, who set up Hairline in 1973, said: "It's terribly sad. It's the end of an era and the people of Hadley are losing everything."

Sue Jarvis, who has run the salon for the past 22 years, said: "We are sad we are going.

"There has been no public consultation, we were just shown the plans. We were offered the chance to move to another unit, but we cannot afford it."

Michelle Gregory, a stylist at Hairline for 21 years, said: "I am just gutted. My job has gone. I never envisaged leaving, and did not think I would be made redundant and the place knocked down."

Hairline customer Nita Whitehouse, from Oakengates, said: "I am devastated. Where will we go?"

Another customer Joan Smith, 86, from Hadley, said: "I am born and bred in Hadley and it has gone from bad to worse. It's disgusting."

Councillor Richard Overton, council cabinet member with special responsibility for Borough Towns Development, said: "The scheme was widely consulted with events for both the public and local traders with the response being very positive.

"Negotiations took place with the traders during 2011 and if terms were agreed the traders were offered occupation of the new units. The council has done everything possible to encourage traders into the new units. Negotiations are continuing with some of the traders to encourage further relocation into the new units.

"By undertaking a phased approach to the development, the council has managed to retain as much provision as possible within the centre.

However it has not been possible to construct phase one without some demolition of the existing units and where applicable compensation has been agreed with those traders." Plans for the scheme were approved in January.

Phase one, the £2.3 million revamp, includes the demolition of a number of shops and maisonettes to be replaced by six new shops and the Tesco Express. Phase two, subject to further funding, will include a further three mixed use units and 24 new homes. It is hoped the new shops will be open in autumn 2013.

The council is also in discussions with traders at the weekly market to ensure they continue to trade successfully.