Greens say no to Tesco in Stokes Croft

Friday, 12 February 2010

The Green Party in Bristol West has condemned a plan by Tesco to convert a former comedy venue in Stokes Croft into a supermarket, just five minutes from an existing Metro Express.

"A Tesco supermarket is not in keeping with the atmosphere of Stokes Croft and I am pleased to see so many people getting together to fight this plan," said Ricky Knight, Green Party candidate for the Bristol West constituency in this year's Westminster elections.

Knight was referring to a meeting Monday evening in Stokes Croft of almost 300 people who attacked the prospect of yet another "soulless supermarket" in the area.

"Local communities need local shops, not another soulless chain that swallows resources," Source food editor, Elisabeth Winkler, who recently joined the Green Party, reported on her blog on the meeting.

"Supermarkets kill local business. The small shopkeeper does not survive. The tragedy is Stokes Croft is an increasingly happening place," Winkler said.

Local pressure group People's Republic of Stokes Croft said on its blog it believes that "a multiple retailer such as Tesco will have an adverse effect on the local traders in Montpelier and on the essential character of the area".

Local people only found out about the supermarket's plans last week.

Tesco's name does not appear in the application, which was lodged in November and which is available to view online at Bristol City Council's public access website.

The applicant is listed as Jesters Comedy Club Ltd., but a note underneath says, "The Applicant is using an Agent to handle their case."

The agent is named as G L Hearn of Sydney Buildings in Bath. An online search reveals that this is a property consultant, which lists Tesco as one of its clients.

Jesters went into administration on 28th May, 2009, according to Companies House.

Rachael Marmite of the Planning Club said she had spoken to a planning officer and had been assured that "an inordinate amount of (responses) could rescind change of use."

"Now is the time for action. The people of Stokes Croft - and Bristolians in general who love the area - should make their voices heard and stop this crazy plan," Ricky Knight said.

The campaign has set up a Facebook page with the headline, "Tesco's at the former Jesters site, Stokes Croft! They must be joking!"

There will be a celebratory demonstration this Saturday 13 September at the proposed Tesco site organised by No Tesco in Stokes Croft.

There is more about Tesco at Tescopoly.

You can also sign up to a petition opposing the plans. This petition was set up by Richard Arnott, who has also set up a petition to reject all new Tesco stores in Bristol.