Date for Tesco opening in Bath
One of the most controversial stores in Bath will finally open for business next week.
Local people campaigned in vain against plans for a Tesco Express shop in Bathwick Hill and they were twice refused by council planners.
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But after being approved by a Government planning inspector as long ago as July last year, it will open on Monday.
The opening has been delayed by worries over road safety around the store, which is in a former car showroom.
The firm had to wait for a loading bay to be created outside the store, which involved a council traffic regulation order.
It is one of two Tesco Express outlets opening in the city in the next few days, with one at Englishcombe Lane in Kingsway due to open on Thursday.
Both stores open for the first time at 8am, with the official launches happening later on at 10.30am and being accompanied by donations to local charities.
The Bathwick store staff will be making a £500 donation to the city's Peggy Dodd day care centre, which will be sending a representative to open the shop.
Shoppers will also be entertained by a performance by members of the Golden-Oldies singing intiative, who will be singing outside the store from 10am.
Store manager Brendan Tucker said: "We are delighted to be able to support the Peggy Dodd Centre as they provide such a valuable service locally. We are really glad that they are coming down to open the store and join in the celebrations with us. We're also really looking forward to the Goldies singing, it will bring a lovely fun edge to the day."
Tesco is one of the sponsors of the singing groups founded by Grenville Jones.
Its store had originally been due to open in February.
Mr Tucker added: "Although this store has been delayed significantly, we are delighted to be opening a store in Bathwick Hill and we hope that Tesco will become a key part of the local community."
The store at Englishcombe Lane is making a £500 donation to Beaumonds, a nearby respite home for parents of children with learning difficulties.
The retail giant has been given a warmer welcome in that part of Bath, and local councillors Dine Romero and Paul Crossley will be attending the opening to help charity representatives cut the ribbon.
Cllr Romero (Lib Dem, Southdown) said: "We are delighted with the opening of this new store. Several years ago Kingsway had five household needs shops. Over time these have all gone and so this new Tesco Express will be a much-needed boost for the local community and will enable local people to shop locally."
Tesco already runs Express stores in Odd Down and Peasedown St John, and is also interested in opening another at the old Courthouse petrol station site in Upper Bristol Road.
It has also been linked to the old Bath Press site in Lower Bristol Road, which has been bought by an investment firm whith which it has worked in the past.
Opposition to the Bathwick store centred on fears that it would drive existing shops out of business.
10 Comments
by Mat, Bath
Thursday, November 20 2008, 9:55AM
“Ted: Yes, and this is called economy. Damn thing, isn't it? And I'm sure you prefer to pay high prices and not profit on economy of scales, do you...!”
by Ted Rogers, Bath
Wednesday, November 19 2008, 3:43PM
“It is never the intention of Tesco to put another shop out of business, just to take a large chunk of their custom away by under-cutting them”
by Mat, Bath
Wednesday, November 19 2008, 12:13PM
“CD: Sorry, of course the not only was, but still is absolutely unaffordable and has a horrible look. Of course Tesco staff won't be the same, and I do like the guy who runs the shop, but honestly: he also just buys his stuff from the wholesale, so it's the same stuff that you can get in any other supermarket, only with a hefty premium. But when all the people who so vigorously protested against the tesco will still shop at this shop, then he will definitely need not fear anything at all. I then just wonder why he's so scared about the tesco next door? maybe there is a hidden secret and all the naysayers still enjoy not paying more than twice the price for the same quality? let's all see....”
by CD, Bath
Wednesday, November 19 2008, 11:35AM
“"...convenience store next door to it was absolutely horrible and unaffordable".
er, *was*?? it's still there, and my kids will be devastated if ken has to throw in the towel and stop trading; a local independent trader and character that it would be a travesty to lose. sorry to pre-judge, but tesco staff just won't be the same.”
by Innocent Dave, Frome
Wednesday, November 19 2008, 8:46AM
“Ah yes, the joys of Tescos! Now we can look forwards to the loss of around 275 full-time jobs in Bath (1), at a time when there are far too many jobs going anyway! And the jobs that remain will almost entirely be on the list of the 10 worst-paid jobs in Britain! (2)
As for all that lovely money you spend in the store, less than half as much will remain in the local economy, compared to spending in local stores. And all this from a company who recently got walked all over by the Guardian and Private Eye with regards to how much tax they really ought to have been paying.
But whatever you do, don't speak out! Or you'll end up like the people who did in Asia - sued for vast amounts over fictitious claims and then locked up in Dickensian debtor's prisons for years when they couldn't pay.
So, you can either do what the residents of the last place I lived did - stand around as the big boxes move in and watch the economy and the town center nose-dive into a pit of decay (seriously, go to Rushden in the midlands, then come here and tell me this is all a good idea) - or maybe we could step up the local campaign and get something done.
Footnotes-
1 - National Retail Planning Forum - Porter and Rastrick (1998)
2- Mary O'Hara - 'Store Wars', The Guardian, 25.01.03”
by Mat, Bath
Tuesday, November 18 2008, 5:36PM
“The odyssee has come to an end. Thinking about it that the store should have been opened for years, it is another absolutely ridiculous example for how backward-tended people in Bath can basically block everything. Think about it, there even were protests against the SHOP SIGNS because they don't fit into the street - what a crazy council are we in? I will support the shop from day one, and I suppose lots of people will, as it is conveniently located for all uni staff needing little bits and pieces on their way home. Sorry, but the convenience store next door to it was absolutely horrible and unaffordable. So PLEASE don't whine around that you could always have used this one instead...
Maybe a bit harsh, but frankly, this city lacks food shopping stores like no other, and this will save me the way to morrisons for a couple of times a week. Please don't depend on those naysayers that much again!”
by rich, psj
Tuesday, November 18 2008, 4:39PM
“When tesco came to psj its was great as we had more choice and we didn't have to pay jones and Co-op crazy prices who ripped the people of psj off for years,And the kids do get alcohol you only have to walk pass the youth club on a Friday to see that”
by David, Bath
Tuesday, November 18 2008, 3:52PM
“Actually, Tesco Express and Jones exist in relative harmony (so far) in Peasedown.
Not only do the three supermarkets in PSJ (Tesco, Co-Op, and Jones) actively co-operate in refusing to sell alcohol to anyone under 18, they also - hilariously - refuse to sell the village teenagers any caffeine-based "hi-energy" drinks, because they get all agitated and confrontational after a couple of Red Bulls.
Brilliant, eh?”
by DouglasClark, Southdown
Tuesday, November 18 2008, 3:25PM
“I am worried that Tesco will try to put Jones on Southdown Road out of business.”
by Kent Brockman, Springfield
Tuesday, November 18 2008, 3:06PM
“I, for one, would like to welcome our new alien overlords.”