Lib Dems and residents say: no to Tesco on Commonside!

11.40.34pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 6th Apr 2009

Every little hurts: local residents and business owners alike show their opposition to the new Tesco

Local Lib Dem Councillors and local residents in Crookesmoor and Upperthorpe have come together to launch a petition against a proposal for a new Tesco store in the area.

Tesco have submitted a planning application to build a new store at the junction of Springvale Road and Commonside, despite failing with the same proposal in Autumn 2007. Local Councillors, including Lib Dem Council Leader and Broomhill local Councillor Paul Scriven, have vowed to fight the proposal again and have launched a petition.

Paul said, "Tesco say that every little helps, but as far as this proposal is concerned local people think every little hurts!"

"We have helped to organise petitions to galvanise local opposition and local people are already putting up posters supporting the campaign. Our petition is in local shops and people can also go online to sign it at paulscriven.org.uk."

"I have also asked Council officers to move back the deadline for objections as I know that there will be a lot of interest in this planning application."

Local residents and the Lib Dems believe that a new Tesco in the area would generate extra traffic on an already hazardous junction, create parking problems and noise for local residents and undermine existing local traders.

Local resident Dennis Gerrard said: "We don't want a new Tesco in the area as it will mean the end for many local traders and create lots of problems for local people. I have signed the petition and I hope that many people will do the same. I'm delighted that local Lib Dem councilors have come together with local people to fight this."