Fears as Tesco giant gets bigger
FEARS have been raised about the future of Lynn's independent stores as supermarket giant Tesco presses ahead with major expansion plans in the town.
Last week the Lynn News reported how 300 jobs could be created at a new and improved store in Hardwick Road and, on Monday, Tesco saw proposals for an extended supermarket in Gaywood receive the backing of council planners.
Both developments will allow Tesco to expand its range of non-food items such as clothing, electrical goods, books and DVDs – a move which has been seen by some as creating increased competition for town centre stores.
Graham Walker, of Walkers News in Norfolk Street, told the Lynn News: "The new store at Hardwick Road will be a complete village and there will be absolutely no need for people to come into town. Ten years ago this place was full and was known for its diversity, independence and quirky shops.
"But the little people who are left are slowly being eased out. I do not think it is right."
He added: "The town centre is struggling, no matter what the footfall figures say, and I have not spoken to a single retailer who is not down."
Plans for the Gaywood expansion were approved by West Norfolk Council's development control board after a decision was deferred by members in February.
The deferral was made to see if Tesco would make a contribution towards the negative impact its store may have on Lynn.
While the supermarket giant has disagreed with such assertions it has offered 50,000 towards improvements in the town centre.
The money could be used for improved car park and pedestrian signage or to support wider regeneration projects, such as the re-location of the bus station.
A report to board members also revealed that, in planning terms, Gaywood itself is considered as a town centre, meaning the council has a duty to sustain and promote “its vitality and viability”.
But Mr Walker believes the 50,000 contribution will do little to offset the challenge presented by Tesco.
He said: "You could say one day of free parking per week or, if it is legally possible, give a reduction in business rates but that would only be a few pounds.
“The council does a good job in promoting the town centre, but I do not see what practical use this money could be put to as it is just not enough.”
His views were echoed by Lynn News reader Dan O’Connor, of Downham, who said: “How many lost jobs in local shops and businesses is 50,000meant to cover? How many lost local enterprises will it cover?
“Local shops and businesses are the lifeblood of our towns, and a crucial ingredient in what makes Lynn and the surrounding area unique.”
Nick Gellatly, Tesco’s regional corporate affairs manager, has dismissed accusations the money was offered to the council as a “sweetener” and said such contributions are made under the strict guidelines of the planning process.
He told the Lynn News: “As part of our responsibilities under the planning system we have to negotiate with the council in terms of what improvements they can make to incorporate the extension.
“The council can use that money to strengthen the town centre and we want to play a wider part in Lynn, not just at our stores.”
Mr Gellatly said Tesco would be happy to meet with local traders to discuss their concerns and see if there were ways they could work together in the future.
richard.long@lynnnews.co.uk
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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