Opposition grows against plans for new supermarket

Feb 6 2013 by Liam Murphy, Wallasey News

OPPOSITION is growing to a major supermarket chain’s plans to open a store in Wallasey.

Petitions have been set up around Wallasey village against proposals which could see Tesco add to its list of stores in the area.

The application for a retail store on the site of the former Classic Cars showroom near St Mary's College have prompted a backlash from parts of the local community.

According to the application, which names Tesco, the store will "cater for localised top up shopping in Wallasey Village".

It will include 10 parking spaces, including two marked for disabled – although deliveries would require these to be temporarily coned off at certain times.

Documents accompanying the application added: "Our view is however that the proposal can be adequately accessed by customers both on foot and in the private car, and further that deliveries can be achieved without detriment to highway safety."

But Wallasey councillor Leah Fraser said although she had supported the Tesco store in nearby Liscard, that had been because it was to be based in an established commercial area.

She said: "Wallasey Village is a residential area with a large secondary school on the doorstep. Tesco will not benefit the village in any way, in fact, quite the opposite.

"Large delivery vans arriving at unsocial hours will add to the existing parking and traffic problems already being experienced by local people.

"There have been a number of petitions submitted to the council with over 1,200 signatures against Tesco coming to Wallasey Village – local people have clearly spoken and they strongly oppose this plan."

Douglas Wilson, Tesco corporate affairs manager, said: “We can confirm that Tesco have now finalised an agreement to occupy the store if planning permission is granted. The new store will regenerate this vacant town centre site and bring it back into an appropriate use.

“A store in this location will be a great asset to the local area and will bring with it much needed local employment opportunities as well as other benefits including onsite parking and a new puffin crossing.

“Our Express stores are neighbourhood convenience stores, mainly selling food and everyday essentials and offering customers choice, convenience and value for money on their doorstep.

“The new Tesco Express store will bring with it around 20 local jobs and a significant investment in Wallasey.”