So Somerset

What do you want to see happen in Wells? Is the proposed development going to help or hinder our smallest city?

Simon Syrett
I have seen what Tesco have done in other areas. In my opinion, Tesco and the Developer's do not care about the impact on Wells or the local community regardless of the well intentioned phrases of their spokesperson. They are motivated by profit alone which will come from local people as a small part of an overall national profit. Expansion means other non-food related businesses will be incorporated into the development which will kill off your local traders. Tesco have introduced a 2 hr limit on parking in many of their stores which does not encourage a visit outside the supermarket.I agree Wells does need development. Another larger Tesco is precisely what it does not need.

Mrs M. Wright
Princes Road area needs regenerating, but we do not need a larger Tesco (now there is one at Shepton) -is it not poosible to pesuade Waitrose and/or Marks & Spencers to open outlets in the area. Please "no" to a bigger Tesco.

Steve Wilson (Wells resident)
I welcome development to expand Wells and make it more appealing, as do most local people. But this proposal will do no such thing. It's a carbon-copy of inward-facing retail parks seen up and down the UK and shows absolutely no thought to the current infrastructure (in fact, it will worsen traffic flow, both vehicle and pedestrian). Wells is England's smallest city and also has one of the most complete medieval Cathedrals in Europe, unique in the fact that it still sits in what is predominantly an historic setting. With regard to Tesco, to try and claim that a mega-Tesco will encourage customers to look around Wells after they've done their shopping is bordering on absurd? Tesco shoppers have just one aim - fill their trolleys, load their cars and get home before their frozen goods melt. Supermarket shopping and city browsing are two totally seperate activities that do not mix. Ms Chiswell should put forward the evidence to back her ridiculous claims on this. I would also ask her to present evidence showing where a Tesco development (any Tesco development) has increased 'overall' trade and employment in a town?

will burgess
wells is the beez neez. it is immensely intense. i want to live in wells till my dying day. wells is wicked!

Robert Berg
These sophisticated developers are actuauted by a wish to maximise profit.With respect I think Mendip District Council are naive in their approach to a scheme which will have a negative impact on Wells which will be fundamental and irreversible.And I am always suspicious of developers who require such prodigious exertions of their PR advisors.Centros Miller and Tesco should leave Wells alone and go elsewhere to make money.

james farrell
wells rules but it could rule better

micheal butcher (priddy)
wells is a rubbish city, i say get the new development in and get rid of the useless stuff wells sucks!

Scott Reynolds
I can't say that I agree that 'Tesco normally trades quite happily alongside other retailers'. When the Tesco Express in Cheddar opened, it caused the lack of custom to a number of businesses and the closure of one or two local shops in the village. Tesco are only interested in increasing profit, to say that they want to bring custom to the smaller businesses is laughable.

Andy Smith
Definitely help. People must understand that progress needs to happen if smaller towns are to survive. Get real people, live in the 21st century - not yesteryear

Steve Menisfield
I believe that this would be great for wells, there will be more jobs for its students and residents alike

Nick East (Cheddar)
It looks like the integrity of the city centre will be protected. I see this as a good thing, however, feeder roads into Wells need to be looked at. The main A route through Cheddar is already extremely dangerous with cars and in particular lorries driving faster than is safe on this route.

David Kilvington
Wells needs to grow to attract shoppers, I dont agree with tesco's expansion plan.

Richard Scammell
I say leave Wells alone it is fine as it is. The dead hand of modern development for the benefit of supermarkets or any other national company is not wanted here.

robert w rentoul
I am totally opposed to this proposed development

F. Davis (Somerset resident)
Leave Wells alone,other than general maintenance of the existing buildings. Further developement serves only the profits of big companies, not the local businesses,and residents.

Allan Marshall
Tesco will soon dominate everything. It's the small shops that will suffer, they will sell clothes, shoes, electrical goods what chance has the small shop keeper got?

Allan Marshall
Tesco will soon dominate everything. It's the small shops that will suffer, they will sell clothes, shoes, electrical goods what chance has the small shop keeper got?

Philip Francis.
Wells is almost uniquely, untouched by commercial development. What is proposed would totally corrupt the ethos of the city. And all for the sake of fat and dirty profit.

ML
Development can be good, but this scheme would be devastating to the fantastic character of Wells. These large companies will stop at nothing to make every penny they can. If they have their way Wells would be another 'Stepford town'.

Nick Simpson
Well I would argue that the development of Sainburys in central Bath has not affected trade here for the independant retailer. In fact the independant shops in the city are thriving. You may be alright Wells!

David Coles
A similar situation with ASDA has happened in Bridgwater. The idea was that the store would revitalise the Eastover end of the town. What has actually happened is more difficult trading for the independant retailers, because people don't bother going into town once they have their shopping done. Watch out Wells!!