We believe that if planning permission is granted for Tesco in Ottery, the town’s vibrant shopping community will wither and die. We are determined to stop that happening.
What Tesco will say
Tesco will claim their store will have the following benefits:
- creation of new jobs
- more choice for shoppers
- more business will be drawn to Ottery town
- it will be environmentally friendly
The reality if Tesco is granted planning permission …
o An increase in traffic and congestion
The distribution systems used by supermarkets and the location of out-of-town stores generate large amounts of traffic.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) suggests that car use for shopping results in costs to society of more than £3.5 billion per year, from traffic emissions, noise, congestion and accidents.
o Erosion of local choice
Choice is eroded as smaller, independent shops struggle to compete. A report by the Competition Commission found that the loss of local, independent shops can have a serious impact in terms of access to food, particularly for people on lower incomes or those who don’t have use of a car.
- Destruction of local jobs
Tesco would stifle business individuality and creativity. The kinds of jobs Tesco offer are check-out operators and shelf stackers. Some local people may have no other option but to take these jobs if Tesco opens.
Supermarket claims that new stores bring in jobs fail to consider the wider picture of independent retailer bankruptcies. A 1998 study by the National Retailer Planning Forum (NRPF) examining the employment impacts of 93 superstore openings between 1991 and 1994 found that they resulted in a net loss of more than 25,000 jobs or 276 per store opened.
o A tatty and unappealing place to live?
In Fakenham, Norfolk (population 7300 approx) the opening of an out-of-town supermarket was followed by a one-third increase in the number of empty shops, a drop in the number of convenience stores, and a noticeable deterioration of the built environment of the town centre.
Source: Tescopoly (www.tescopoly.org)
- Closure of shops in surrounding villages
We are worried about the effect Tesco would have on shops surrounding Ottery. Stores at Tipton St John, Alfington and West Hill would all be at risk of closure, along with West Hill’s post office.
- We don’t need Tesco in Ottery!
We have two small supermarkets already, as well as a plethora of other smaller specialist shops, such as bakers and butchers. We do not want or need an out-of-town Tesco that will draw business away from the town and destroy Ottery’s unique character. Don’t let Tesco’s ruthless desire for profit result in Ottery losing its unique brand of individuality.
We can do it!
People in Sheringham,
What you can do
If Tesco gets the go-ahead by the planners Ottery will be changed forever. If you care please don’t wait – act now! Every comment and message of support counts.
- Join our campaign. Email info@sustainableottery.org.uk
- Visit www.sustainableottery.org.uk and give your views on our blog
- Write to or email your local councillor
- David Cox - dcox@members.eastdevon.gov.uk
- Roger Giles – roger.giles@devon.gov.uk
o Write a letter for publication to the local newspaper
o Call 01404 814078 for information on helping us campaign
Remember, Tesco has owned the site since January 2008.
It has not been open with residents about its purchase.
We believe this has been done with the aim of
stifling healthy debate, enabling Tesco to take control.
Its arguments will be persuasive
but don’t be fooled.
Tesco is dire news for Ottery.
Tesco: We don’t need it. We don’t want it. We will fight it.
