After continually refusing to either confirm or deny their intention of opening a store in the town centre, Tesco have finally put their cards on the table.
After continually refusing to either confirm or deny their intention of opening a store in the town centre, Tesco have finally put their cards on the table.
An application has been made to East Devon District Council by Tesco for an alcohol licence for 4-6 Rolle Street.
So why did Tesco decide not to reveal their intentions before? Simple, if they revealed their plans earlier they feared it would jeopardise their planning application to extend their Salterton Road store, but, now this has been passed, they can pursue their aim of dominating the town.
The arrival of Tesco in the town is nothing but bad news. Its presence will add nothing to the town except what already is there, but it will severely jeopardise the viability of many of the small businesses within the town centre as Tesco's sole aim will be to take another pound from your pocket and away from other businesses.
Also, the store's location will only bring further problems to the town; where will they park their enormous delivery vehicles, where will they store the huge amount of waste generated and the vast number of cages used (take a look at the rear of the Brixington store), and what noise impact will there be on local residents?
As the owner of a local convenience store, I have grave concerns for the future of my business and the future of my employees.
Like many other business people in the town, we work hard and for long hours in an effort to provide a service to the people of Exmouth and to earn a decent living, and we are extremely grateful for those that support us, but now is the time to stand up and fight for our town centre.
Yes, we should all support the work that goes into attracting NEW business into the town as, like the arrival of Iceland, it adds vibrancy and additional choice to the town, but a third Tesco will bring nothing new to the town.
The time to speak up is now before we start erecting the 'Welcome to Tescotown' signs.
Philip Rainbird,
45 Rolle Street,
Exmouth..
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