Traders' fury at superstore extension plan proposal
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
EXCLUSIVE By TERRI DOUGAN
and SIMON CUNNINGHAM
TRADERS in Dungannon are up-in-arms at plans for a massive extension of the town's Tesco store.
The retail giant has submitted plans to expand their current store by 20,000 square, making it a "Tesco Extra". The proposal, if given the go-ahead, would mean an extension of groceries and non-foods products. It is also anticipated that up to 80 jobs could be created at the Beechvalley store as a result of the £14 million proposal.
The plans had been recommended for refusal by planners as it would have an adverse affect on the town centre. But at a recent meeting of Dungannon Borough Council, councillors supported the proposals and asked that the application be referred back to the Planning Management Board for reconsideration.
However, some town traders have expressed their opposition to the proposals.
Andrew Trotter of SA Trotter said that there could be future job losses in the town should Tesco expand.
He told the Courier: "Tesco just seem to want to take any bit of business that is going in the town. They talk about the jobs that may be created, but what about the jobs that could be lost if businesses start to close down?
“At the minute, business is really tough and it is difficult to turn any sort of profit."
And Mr Trotter said that any Tesco expansion could affect many businesses in the town.
“I'm not just thinking of my own business," he said, "but also the other traders in the town that will be affected. I would say that Tesco will affect every type of shop and business in this town except perhaps charity shops.
“Tesco, like a lot of other big names, will offer the best selling products, but smaller shops can actually stock a much wider range. Consumers need to have that choice."
Jimmy Stuart of Gene Stuart's Records in the town voiced his fears that if given the go-ahead, Tesco's plans to transform itself into an "Extra" store will effectively "close the town centre down".
Said Mr Stuart: "Well, personally I would have big concerns about it. These stores just monopolise the retail trade in small towns like Dungannon and seems like there's no end to it. It will close the town centre down. At this rate Dungannon will be nothing more than a huge housing estate in 20 years time."
Continued on Pages 2 and 3
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