Concern Tesco arrival will spell doom for amenities
CONCERNS have been raised that Cheltenham's newest Tesco Express store could pose a threat to other amenities in the area.
The supermarket giant opened an outlet in Queen's Road, opposite the railway station, last month amidst much fanfare, creating 18 new jobs.
But residents fear it could put pressure the nearby Midcounties Co-operative, in Gloucester Road, which also includes the only post office in the area.
Staff at the Co-op have admitted there has been a drop in trade since Tesco arrived.
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Peter Bowman, 67, of nearby Lansdown Road, warned there would be a long-term negative impact on the community if the Co-op and the post office, were forced to close.
"Although it looks like positive news with Tesco coming in creating 18 new jobs, I feel we should consider the net increase in employment should the Co-op be forced out of business," he said.
"If that were to happen, would Tesco take over the post office counter, which is of great convenience to people in the area?
"And if the paper delivery service goes so will one of the few remaining opportunities for school children to get an experience of working life and responsibility while earning a bit of pocket money.
"I just feel that when planners are looking at what is being added when they approve these applications, they should also look at what might be lost as a result."
Charles Finch, 72, of Queen's Road, added: "A lot of people would be really stuck if the area did not have its own post office."
A spokeswoman for Tesco declined to comment on the impact the store's arrival might have on rival traders.
But she said there would not be enough room at the Tesco Express store to accommodate a post office if the current one were to close.
The concerns come at a time when there are moves afoot to protect community post offices across the country.
The Government has outlined plans to generate business for branches to secure their future following a raft of closures.
Lucrative contracts with the DVLA and other Government departments could make them a "front office" for Whitehall in future.
A Post Office spokesman said the branch had an important part to play in community life.
"We are committed to maintaining our services in the area," he added.
Bosses at the Midlands Co-operative were unavailable to comment or give any reassurances over the future of the store when contacted by the Echo yesterday.
Comments
by anyoldname
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 6:05PM
“Why is it necessary to have a Tesco Express in this location when there is a superstore approx a mile down the road. Tesco express do not stock their everyday value range, and the choices are more limited. I do shop at the superstore, but do not agree with the Express branches popping up like an irritating weed where it is not necessary. There is the CO-OP and other business' round there that will suffer. Pure commercial greed !!!!!”
by bonzaharris1
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 5:27PM
“Tesco's want all the business, they don't care how many corner shops shut in their wake. In the village near where I live, there is a co-op and opposite them is the village stores. The co-op do not sell newspapers so as not to "step on their feet". That way no one loses out. Couldn't see Tescos doing such a thing, get that village stores shut seems to be their motto. I thought there was such a thing as the monopolies commision ? Seems to me wherever you turn there is a Tescos. I have lost count of how many there is in Gloucester and on its outskirts. Competition may be healthy, but being over run with one choice is not.”
by daveofglos
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 1:31PM
“I've been to the new Tescos - can't remember when I last went to a post office though...”
by Matt1006
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 10:57AM
“Tesco keep opening new stores (big, and small) because they see an area where there is the demand, and the competition laws allow them to. And the customers flock to them, making them profitable on a store-by-store basis.
Look what happened when M&S opened their Simply Food shop in the centre of Tewkesbury? Made a loss (or at least not sufficient profit for the company as a whole), and closed quickly, at which point people moaned about it closing. Too late - "use it or lose it", as eyeopener reminds us.
I accept that if the Co-op shuts a local stand-alone sub-post office is a long shot. But, if the Co-op itself doesn't make enough money to warrant staying open, the PO in the back corner could be left high & dry, unless another convenience store operator took on the shop (unlikely, as they'd be in direct competition with Tesco). Meaning the PO would then have no unit in the area. Quandary.”
by Douglasknows
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 10:08AM
“Tesco's always have and always will have a negative effect on local business. We might moan about it but we all are to blame 'cos we all love 'em!”
by eyeopener
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 9:53AM
“I meant of course to say that I prefer Co-Op bread. I find typing things into the little box provided for inputting comments rather like attempting to wall-paper the hallway from outside, with your arms through the letter box!
Usually I prepare my comments in Microsoft Word where I can see the whole document and then copy and paste the lot in.
This has its perils such as inverted commas " which if changed after pasting are published as ?”
by eyeopener
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 9:34AM
“The Post Office used to have a slogan "Use it or lose it". If you want to keep the Co-Op open the answer is clear, use it! Not just the Post Office but the shop as well.
I have eaten Tesco and Co-Op bread and I know which I prefer! Its tastier, keeps longer and consequently is far better value.
As for Matt1006 thinking that a sub-post office might be opened, I think thats unlikely, there are far more sub post offices being closed than opened to prepare for eventual privatisation.”
by Matt1006
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 9:21AM
“I welcome the new Tesco Express, living 2 minutes walk away. Much better than the Co-op. I suspect it will only be the Post Office that will keep the Co-op open, but for how long?
The deli in Queens Road closed before the Tesco even opened, with the owner apparently admitting that she could not compete (so I was told by another local shop-keeper). The unit is empty and up for rent - might make a suitable small stand-alone PO, if (when) the Co-op closes down...???”
by thomas1996
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 8:48AM
“Tim, yes prices are about 5% higher in a Tesco Express than a 'full size' Tesco but the special offers are the same price. That's because it costs more to run a small store per employee than a biggun... they don't pay the staff anymore.
Once again the Co-op are getting worried about competition. Bring it on, the new store is great.”
by TimMessanger
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 8:12AM
“Te$cos Express - A loophole to allow for longer trading hours on a Sunday because of their floor area. Remove Sunday trading regulations and they would stop opening then.....
ALSO
Is it just me or do the prices seem to be higher in a "Express" store than in the main stores.........”