Fears over Cheltenham Asda plans
Worried traders fear plans to build a new Asda in Cheltenham could hurt their business.
Developers want to build the supermarket on the former Woodward Diesel Systems headquarters in Hatherley Lane as part of an office development the size of two football pitches.
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Asda
But small shops and community groups in other parts of the town say it could draw away valuable customers.
Cheltenham Connect supports traders in Leckhampton, Naunton Park, Bath Road, Tivoli, The Park, and The Suffolks.
Member Belinda Wilson said: “It is not within the area covered by our organisation, but that does not mean it will not have an impact.
“Generally speaking, Cheltenham Connect is against anything which may harm our local trade.
“Big business can be advantageous, but in this case it is likely to take away from the footfall which is so valuable to small shops.
“The other impact is the carbon footprint, which would increase if people are driving to the supermarket rather than walking to their local shops.”
Peter Lewis, who runs the Natural Grocery Store, said he would keep a wary eye on Asda if it gets the go-ahead.
He said: “I would like to think that our market is slightly different to Asda’s, but I do not want to be complacent.
“We would watch what it did and make sure our prices are competitive, as we already do with other supermarkets.”
Developers Cheltenham Office Park and Robert Hitchins have been looking for a new use for the 11-acre site in The Reddings since 2007.
Plans to build a giant business park were scrapped after the credit crunch forced a downturn in the market.
The new proposals, which will have to be approved by Cheltenham Borough Council’s planning committee, envisage 80,000sqft of offices alongside the store. The whole project could create up to 1,000 jobs.
Chris Marlow, Asda’s property communications manager, has said the store would be considerate towards its surroundings and is not aiming to usurp small businesses.
But Cheltenham’s Liberal Democrat MP Martin Horwood said the town does not need another supermarket.
He said: “I am not thrilled by the idea. In places like Bath Road and other shopping precincts, this could have a serious impact. Tesco is leading the way, but most supermarkets now are offering insurance, holidays, clothes and almost everything else. We might end up in the situation where there are no small shops left.
“I am not saying Asda will cause this in Cheltenham, but it might be a step in a direction we do not want to go in.”
Mark Coote, Cheltenham’s Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate, said the application should be judged on its own merits.
He said: “The campaign to save small shops should not be a war on supermarkets. A new Asda could be extremely helpful for people living in Fiddler’s Green, Benhall, The Reddings and Up Hatherley.”
“We should look at it in its own light rather than jumping to quick judgements.
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by Kate, The Reddings, Cheltenham
Wednesday, November 24 2010, 7:28PM
“In an ideal World we would go back to corner shops and large corporations wouldn't have the monopoly. In an ideal World I wouldn't feel excluded from society by doing things like riding a pushbike at the age of 31 rather than drivng a car... even though my 'carbon footprint' is pretty much non-existant (I even walk to work). And in an ideal World the people who get lots of public praise (like the CEOs of charities) would NOT be earning up to £450,000pa whilst their volunteers slave away for no pay... I digress however. As much as I admire the people who are trying to save small businesses and are trying to salvage a community spirit - I fear that they are ultimately fighting a losing battle - at least in the long term. I love little villages / side streets (I visit them on Saturdays rather than the town centre)... I love specialist trades and warm to the unique vibe of local shops and cafes... but how long will they be able to survive? isn't it a bit like trying to fight evolution? I try to fight things... I switch off my mobile and don't top it up because I hate the intrusion that they bring - but then I end up with near enough no friends because everyone else is using them. I talk about animal rights when my Colleagues pig themselves with genetically modified, cruelly treated chickens from KFC - but I am treated like a freak. What we have is little pocket areas remaining with nice, eco-friendly, locally-driven people and large armies of capitalist, cost driven proles who do not care about the World beyond their own back gardens... How long will it be before the nice people (most of whom are moderately rich and live in posh areas so can afford to pay the extra in local shops) are over-ridden by the armies of proles who are like colonies to the massive companies who are controlling their minds with clever marketing and sub-conscious brain-washing? (that's why - among other things - I don't watch TV... to avoid the adverts and images of what 'should' make us happy but doesn't). I ask you this: are we happier now with all this so-called progress? I think people were generally happier when life was more simple.”
by John Stevens, Cheltenham
Wednesday, January 27 2010, 12:16AM
“Not Mr Hoorwood saying NO again, Why doe's he always say "we" when he means himself. What a negitive person he is.”
by John, cheltenham
Tuesday, January 26 2010, 6:56PM
“I see that the greens are going to oppose Asda because of the carbon foot print, but i say that Asda will save a lot of carbon foot print.
At least 9 out of ten households shop at super markets so if the people in this area were to use Asda they would be saveing loads of carbon foot prints by not driveing across town to either sainsburys or tesco.
I say bring asda and save more carbon footprints.
most people DONT use local shops for there main shop because they are to dear and dont have a big enough range.
they will only use them for the odd item that was forgotten.”
by Mike, Cheltenham
Tuesday, January 26 2010, 12:03AM
“When will people learn, that when a new business such as a Superstore opens it does not create jobs! It is all down to supply and demand, So if a ASDA does open and needs 100 employees to supply the demand. Then 100 jobs will go elsewhere due to the loss of demand in those shops. In this area probably Morrisons,Sainsbury's,Tesco, and local shops. So even if the people in these shops do not lose their jobs, no doubt they will have a drastic cut in overtime instead.”
by Steve, St Marks
Monday, January 25 2010, 11:22PM
“Asda will be here when we are long gone so let's benifit from a store on our door-step! If Morrisons were so good they won't lose customers. Fact is it's not that great there anyway,hence plans of an Asda!! Gloucester can have one so why can't we? Ikea next please!! Or why can't we have our own ice-skating rink & liesure centre??? Now that would make lots of sense!!!!!”