I AM a local girl now living in South London.
I have lived the Tesco experience in my area.
It convinces the local council a store is necessary in a particular area.
It promises to build a bus station/school/road. Then, it convinces the population it will bring jobs and services.
The company applies for planning permission for a smallish store to quieten the critics who say a large store is unacceptable on a given site.
It builds the store and whatever local amenity (a footpath to the High Street /car park in Walton’s case) and waits.
Shops gradually close, because you can get all you need in Tesco – the optician/ pharmacy/pet shop etc. Why walk along a draughty High Street when you can shop in an air-conditioned shop and buy everything in one go?
Then Tesco applies to extend the store as it is too small for the number of people using it. I have witnessed three local high streets become ghost towns as a result of Tesco’s policies.
You vote for a Tesco store at your peril.
Sue Barrell
South London
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here