Cinderford 'supermarket wars' taken to the High Court
SUPERMARKET wars are heating up in Cinderford with Mid-Counties Co-operative taking its fight against Asda to the High Court.
The company is trying to block its rival's plans to open a store in Steam Mills Road.
Planning permission has been granted by Forest of Dean District Council but it has applied for the decision to be quashed via a judicial review.
The supermarket chain, which has branches in Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney and Mitcheldean, has also sent a letter to its members asking them to object to a fresh planning application by Asda.
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The move has incensed residents who say Co-op should not have a "monopoly" on the Forest.
They are due to march through the streets of Cinderford on Saturday to protest against the "unprofessional tactics".
Coleford resident Adrian Lane launched a campaign last month via Facebook group Asda4Cinderford and has 1,300 members.
The father-of-two said: "Cinderford needs a big name supermarket. We don't want to be dictated to by Co-op, who have a monopoly in the Forest."
"I don't think they are acting in a very professional way."
Asda, the police and the Forest of Dean District Council have all said they are aware of the protest.
A council spokesman said the new application will be discussed by a committee but no date has been set.
It has so far received 107 letters of support and 39 of objection.
The Co-op were unavailable for comment.
Comments
by NibNobs
Friday, September 28 2012, 6:28PM
“I used to be able to afford the high but 'conveinient' Co-op prices, not now.
The only thing that they are cheaper than Asda for is the usual offer by the tills of 4 bars of chocolate for £1.”
by thestig2
Friday, September 28 2012, 6:09PM
“As much as we all like Asda to come. people need to remember that it is not the staff's fault Coop is blocking everything going. I was in Coop other day and some people are just so nasty giving abuse to staff who are just trying to earn a living. they cant approve the planning, it Coop head office if you want to have your moan off. i bet half the staff cant wait anyway to jump jobs to Asda anyway lol.”
by forester_girl
Thursday, September 27 2012, 4:59PM
“Why do co-op go on and on about doing best by the community and yet try and block anything good that happens to a town? I haven't shopped in the co-op in years for that exact reason, them bullying competition is the exact reason I will never return!”
by intheForest
Thursday, September 27 2012, 9:06AM
“Oh Asda with a Petrol station please.”
by intheForest
Thursday, September 27 2012, 9:03AM
“The Coop is a pants and a rip off on pricing, sooner they have a bit of competition the better !!”
by Bonkim2003
Thursday, September 27 2012, 7:26AM
“Competition is good - and ASDA will attract many more from across the Forest of Dean who now go to Gloucesteror Ross on Wye, it would also be good for the rest of Cinderford as shoppers usually spill over from supermarkets to look through other local shops. So Coop - play fair.”