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Hundreds slam car park plans


13/ 8/2008

TESCO snubbed the chance to defend its controversial bid to build a two-storey car park in Stalybridge after failing to turn up at a public meeting.

The strength of feeling was clear to see as almost 400 people crammed into the civic hall to register their disgust at the proposals.

But significantly, a seat reserved for Tesco at the top table remained empty as the store giant gave residents the cold shoulder. A queue snaked around the side of the building as locals converged en-masse in a furious backlash on Monday night.

Tesco sparked the row after plans emerged to build a mezzanine level inside, but the move that prompted the most anger is the new car park.

Straddling both current car parks, and overshadowing Armentieres Square, it has been branded ‘a monstrosity’ which will obliterate the ‘stunning views’ of the surrounding moors.

Although Tory councillors organised the meeting, political differences were put aside as Labour colleagues joined forces to condemn the project.

Councillor Clive Patrick said: "Tesco are trying to pull the wool over our eyes with this ridiculous car park. But we musn’t lose sight of what they’re really after. It may even be a ruse to force through this enlarged shopping area."

Councillor Dorothy Cartwright added: "Armentieres Square will be completely overshadowed by a fortress-like structure."

Taking the microphone, Councillor David Sweeton said: "There is an empty space at the top table. What we have created in Stalybridge is a destination. They park, they shop at Tesco, and they leave. We don’t want that entrenching anymore."

Peter Taylor, chairman of Stalybridge Chamber of Trade, urged people to boycott the store.

"We can see from the empty chair they’re not interested in Stalybridge. But if everyone in this room stops shopping there and they end up losing £50,000 a week, then they’ll understand. We can beat this," he said.


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Most recent 2 of 3 user comments

   tesco will keep trying and trying and keep offering the council more and more money, till they crack and cave in. sad but true.
mistershameless, button (blue) moon
28/08/2008 at 09:22
   tesco actually sent me a snotty letter because I used their car park for more the 2 hours. I parked in it at 09.45 at night on a saturday and returned to my car around 02.15 after a night out in staloybridge. I used to shop there every week spending around £40.00. They said had parked for more than the allotted time for an average shop in their store. I parked there 15 mins before they actually shut!!! There is no barriers on the car park and I was doing no harm. Never shopped there since as no-one would speak to me about it!!!!!!!! Sound familiar???
PAH, Manchester
17/08/2008 at 10:37
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