London Road Retailers - What Do They Think of Tesco?

Earlier this week, we published a letter sent by Peter Milne to Tesco. He has since exchanged three further emails with Michael Kissman (printed below). For reasons of space, we'd like to pick up on one paragraph where Mr Kissman says,

"I have spoken to many local businesses, particular (sic) some of those located near London Road, and I would have to disagree with your statement that a large majority of St Albans businesses are opposed to the development. Of the businesses we have contacted most saw the benefits of regeneration to the area we are proposing."

We thought in the interests of fairness that we should re-examine our local retailer survey - perhaps London Road retailers were in favour of the development but others were not. To be honest, they were slightly more in favour than other parts of the city - in that 77% were against Tesco (compared to 83% across the city), 14% in favour and 9% undecided.

We would also be very interested to find out which businesses Mr Kissman is referring to, and if any of them might be those looking forward to tendering for business from the new development (such as recruitment agencies or builders) rather than fearing the loss of their livelihood (such as newsagents or florists)!

1. Reply from Michael Kissman:

Dear Peter,

Thank you for your email. I am sorry for the technical difficulties with the website. It was temporarily out of order, but should be fixed by now. I can assure you the fault did not discriminate against those putting 'no' in the box, it didn't work for the 'yes' box either!

We have consulted many local people and organisations over recent weeks. In January we held a public exhibition in the Town Hall to share our proposals and receive feedback. This event was advertised in the local newspapers (and also widely reported) and also promoted by thousands of leaflets distributed locally. I am sorry if you could not make this event, but the website www.tescostalbans.co.uk contains most of our ideas for the site.

We have yet to submit a formal planning application so there are still some details to finalise but we felt it best to consult at an early stage. Once the application is submitted all the detail will of course be a matter of public record. In the mean time anyone is welcome to view the website or contact me directly.

Regards,
Michael

Michael Kissman
Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager


2. Reply from Peter Milne:

Dear Mr Kissman,

Your public exhibition was ludicrous for such a large scheme - only open for a very short time outside working hours. I certainly had no chance to see and comment and nor did most people.

The leaflets & web site give a brief impression of your plans but mainly highlight the traffic problem the development will cause and the willful destruction of the street I chose to live in.

You claim to welcome people contacting you as part of the consultation but you make no response to any of the concerns expressed in my email. I hope your consultation involves listening and reacting to peoples concerns and not just providing a black hole for their comments!

I trust you have seriously noted that a large majority of St Albans businesses are opposed to a supermarket on this site and that and over 5% of St Albans residents have (so far) signed the petition against it.

Regards

Peter Milne


3. Reply from Michael Kissman:

Dear Peter,

We purposely scheduled the public exhibition so that one of the days was on a Saturday and we also opened into the evening during the week to maximise the opportunity to attend. In addition we have also been open to meeting people after the event - something I have personally done with many individuals and groups since January.

Of course, once the application is finalised and submitted to the council all our planning documents will be a matter of public record. There will then be the usual statutory consultation period with the council. These measures will ensure everyone gets ample time to see our proposals.

I have spoken to many local businesses, particular some of the those located near London Road, and I would have to disagree with your statement that a large majority of St Albans businesses are opposed to the development. Of the businesses we have contacted most saw the benefits of regeneration to the area we are proposing.

I am sorry if I wasn't clear in my original email. I have ensured that your comments have been shared with the team and we will consider them as we finalise our plans.

Regards,
Michael