We must all Choose Local

IT has taken them a long time to decide.

But after many months of deliberations, the Government has finally decided that Sainsbury’s will be allowed to build a 60,000 sq ft new supermarket at Meols Cop retail park in Kew.

Many people, including Southport MP John Pugh, fear the new store will divert trade away from businesses in the town centre. The new retail giant - similar in size to the 24-hour Tesco superstore in Kew - will sell not just food, but many other goods too.

The planning inspector who carried out the inquiry into the scheme, and the Secretary of State who made the final ruling, both reached the same conclusion however.

That the new Sainsbury’s will not damage trade in the town centre to any great extent. It will affect trade in other supermarkets, but not enough to threaten their viability.

Remarkably they doubted whether it would have much impact on Meols Cop Road and other surrounding roads - it is hard to see how this would not be the case.

The new store will provide more choice in a sector dominated by Tesco, and a new petrol station may even help drive down prices, in a town where they are senselessly inflated.

So when will the new store be built? That is the big question. Sainsbury’s was very coy on this issue when we asked them last week. Some even doubt the new store will ever be constructed, at a time when supermarkets are shrinking away from giant stores in favour of smaller convenience shops.

In the end it comes down to choice. Town centre trade will only shrink if we let it. We must support our local shops. The pledge to Choose Local has never been more vital. VISITER readers have been giving their reaction to the Government decision to allow Sainsbury’s to build a new 60,000 sq ft supermarket at Meols Cop retail park in Southport.

We also carried a poll on the Visiter.co.uk website, where 85% of Visiter readers said Southport doesn’t need the new store.

People happy with the decision welcomed the 400 new jobs the new venture would bring, along with more choice for shoppers, and a new 12-pump petrol station.

But opponents fear the retail giant, the other side of Kew roundabout from the Tesco Extra superstore, could suck trade away from town centre shops and create huge disruption on Meols Cop Road and surrounding roads. Here’s what you think:

said: “Anyone know how long it will take. I think traffic lights with filter arrows would help.

“In regards to the town centre personally I would make Chapel Street the new dining experience where all the eateries would be and the shops that are on Chapel Street could use all the empty ones on Lord Street.

“If you look round other areas in the country that’s what they seem to be doing and are thriving. At least there would be good outdoor seating on Chapel Street.

“But it all boils down to rent and

Terry Cockwill

rates in the town centre. And we can’t forget the parking.”

said: “There is already a Tesco and Aldi in the same area. I don’t think there would be significant damage to town centre trade.

“People who shop at retail parks, shop at retail parks and those who shop in town, shop in town.

“The area is already busy with traffic and there may be congestion so another outlet for traffic would be useful... only time will tell!”

said: “Good in some ways that the application has finally been approved but, on the other hand, once the store is open it’s going to pile even more pressure on a road system in the area that’s already at bursting point and has been for a long time.

“Surely Sefton MBC must now seriously consider using the Foul Lane/Kew Park and Ride route to help divert some of the traffic that use Kew roundabout to travel north or south? Sefton has proved extraordinarily stubborn about such a suggestion, but should cease emulating an ostrich and get its act together pronto.”

said: “Kew Roundabout needs improvements. Safety measures. It is too dangerous as it is. Definitely needs safety measures before putting a huge supermarket right there.”

said: “Anything that creates jobs is a boost and it

Diana Pedder Stuart Isenberg Marty Smyth Tony Wynne

might keep Tesco and Aldi on their toes, however I agree with many others.... the whole traffic situation in that area needs to be sorted out first.”

Norman Marshall

said: “The area of land in front of Royal Birkdale would be a better site.”

said: “I’m not at all sure why there is controversy over these plans. Seems like job creation and progression to me.”

said: “If Southport MP John Pugh also fought against the plans, I don’t see why people keep voting for him.”

said: “Foul Lane has to be reopened to relieve the impending bottleneck that’s going to occur between Kew and Norwood.”

Gareth Lang Jeff Wood Toby West Del Watkins

said: “Great news and agree the bridge by the old park and ride should be opened and this will bypass lots of traffic.”

said: “Traffic is shocking in that area already. The other supermarkets and staff would definitely suffer. Times are hard enough.”

said: “How ridiculous, another empty shop in the town centre then, and the Kew roundabout even more of a nightmare. And the Government having a total disregard for the wishes of the local population.”

said:

Sandie Collings Gail Gray Elinor Elmo Pedlar-Ball

“Could they of not put it somewhere else because now you have everyone from what 10 miles away heading to that big roundabout and another petrol station omg again why all in the same place all off the same roundabout.

“Has anyone got a brain - why put everyone in to the same area - we should be spread out we have land and room.”

Chris McGlyn

said: “Traffic mayhem. Norwood Road/Meols Cop Road will become a car park.”

said: “Opening up Foul Lane would ease congestion, as would the reopening of the park and ride.”

Suzie Walker Alan Fitton

said: “I don’t see the problem with this it’s the only big Sainsbury’s in our area.

“It’s creating 400 jobs if not more AND it’s likely to pull people from further a field ie Banks, Leyland, Tarleton and Ormskirk to name a few into Southport which will improve attraction to come into the town!

“I will say Kew roundabout needs some attention though the traffic there gets bad enough as it is.”

Stephanie Lily

said: “Good news in creating new jobs but bad news for local residents who want to go about their daily commute to work, nursery, school.

“The increase in traffic on Norwood Road and Meols Cop is going to make it horrendous! It’s bad enough now!”