Sandra from Newtown claims the town needs to move with the times.
Sandra:"Some town folk of Newtown are unwilling to see changes. In this ever changing world we are faced with all kinds of change.
Why not have a Tescos. It's healthy competition for all. People want to get off their high horse, especially the older generation and accept that things don't stay the same. The town is growing and no one can change that. The town needs to cater for all."
James Evans from Llanllwchaiarn is all for the installation of a new supermarket in Newtown.
James:"I am in favour of bringing a Tesco's to my home town of Newtown. I do not believe the reasons for not having a new tesco's store in Newtown are valid. I agree that trafic in the town is a problem, but it is a problem that all small towns are having to deal with. Putting off this chance to bring yet another big name brand to our streets simply because of this makes no sense. The traffic will get worse no matter what, so we may as well have the benefit of competition between Morrisons & Tesco as well.
The round-a-bout at the top of town is a problem, agreed, it is too small for the traffic it has to deal with. Coupled with the fact that everyone sits on the roundabout blocking the traffic moving around the town. It's a problem we've always had, nothing has been done about it in the past and I doubt there are plans in the future. Yet it is only now being raised as a reason not to have a Tesco store, strange that isn't it?.
For those who say local shops will suffer, I say 'which'? Everyone knows that our high street is much like any another these days, there are very few local shops to suffer! The Pool card system seems to have failed in it's aim to bring small businesses together and to be honest I don't feel that small local businesses are competing with Morrisons so why should they need to compete with a Tesco's. I feel there is a niche for every business, adapt or become exctinct!"
Carol from Caersws believes there are good reasons to build a new supermarket in Newtown.
Carol:"I would welcome Tesco with open arms. There is currently only one big supermarket which is not enough for the growing population. It would also bring real jobs to the area which are desperately needed. More locals would stay and spend locally instead of going to places like Shrewsbury or Oswestry where there is more choice and better value produce. (a natural result of fair competition). Access and egress for a new store and parking facilities etc. would mean much needed improvements to the road infrastructure might get some consideration as well."
Geraint Jones from Newtown claims a new supermarket would regenerate a run down area of the town.
Geraint:"The proposed area for Tescos is very rundown and would make an ideal spot for redevelopment. By far the majority of Newtown folk would benefit from a competitive superstore in the locality, either in secure jobs or cheaper food bills. Those that are oposed to Tescos are free to shop elsewhere."
Mike Membery from Llandyssil has some strong views about the subject.
Mike:"Newtown already has several supermarkets. I suggest it does not need any more.
When Safeway (now Morrison) came several local shops suffered and finally closed. This process will be repeated if more supermarkets arrive.
A big new shop might seem like an exciting opportunity which gives more choice but in fact experience across the country has shown that in the longer term this is not the case.
If the people of Newtown really care about the wellbeing of their community they need to think very seriuosly about the overall effect that these big shops have. They do not create employment they create less jobs than they destroy. They do not generally sell cheaper goods other that a few cheap lines.They do strangle their suppliers by forcing them to cut their costs below decency levels and they take funds and profits away from the local area.
Ten pounds spent at a local butchers supplying locally produced meat generates £24 for the local community whereas £10 spent in a large supermarket generates only £14 for the local community.
Another worrying aim of big supermarkets is their desire to do to newsagents and pharmacies (indeed all independent shops) what they have done to local local grocers. Also there are many examples where they have blatantly manipulated, even disregarded planning processes, so councillors beware.
Wales is losing village and community shops at an alarming rate. Such places are the glue that hold communities together. More supermarkets will only make the situation worse. I appeal to caring people everywhere to find out as much as they can about supermarket practices before they welcome more of these shops to our local towns."
Mel Webster from Newtown also wants a new supermarket in the town.
Mel:"I think we should definitely have a Tescos in Newtown, if we don't it will only go elsewhere and we'll miss out yet again. I don't think it will affect the local businesses in fact I think it would encourage more people into Newtown where they'd call into the Town before going to Tescos as many people do now when they go to Shrewsbury.
There are a lot of people in Newtown on low incomes and all we're asking for is some choice and a bit of competition."
Cez from Newtown is also in favour of another supermarket being built in the town.
Cez:"Gone are the days of popping into town for your daily bread and meat and popping in to have a chat with your local greengrocer. Us younger families have not got the time. More mothers are working, eating habits have changed so we need more variety. It's time to move on - so bring on Tesco's!
Tracey from Newtown is no doubt where she stands.
Tracey:"Please bring Tesco here its just what this town needs. It would affect the local business, it will make Morrisons stop and look at their prices.
Stephen McKeown from Dolfor calls on small businesses in the area to club together.
Stephen:"My wife and I moved to Newtown just over a year ago and we are small business owners. We want to see small business' thrive as it is for the long term good of the community. That said, we understand innovation and small retailers and business should also innovate just like the big boys. Since we arrived we have allied oursleves to a couple of business network groups and a very innovative group who produce a loyalty card for using local shops and business. We are absolulety amazed at the inertia shown by very many shops and small businesses in and around Newtown and their reluctance to fight back using the some of the same methods as conglomerates such as Tesco. My message to small businesses in Newtown is innovate or lose out!"
Andy from Newtown is firmly in the pro-supermarket camp.
Andy:"The town needs the supermarket.
I think people are wrong about the effect it will have on small traders, people who already use these small traders instead of Morrisons will continue to do so if Tesco is in town also.
The only people likely to lose out would be Morrisons and I think the competition would either give them the kick up the bum they need to improve their service or shut them down altogether.
I have also lived in a town of similar size with a similar amount of supermarkets, and not one greengrocers butchers or deli closed, in fact we had more. Opening Tescos offers a wider selection of produce in a store that is better layed out and customer service is spot on.
Competition is good for all."
Adam Wilde from Wolverhampton is unconvinced by the argument in favour of a supermarket.
Adam:"By all means have a Tescos and watch your town centre trade and choice dwindle. I love the argument that people will still shop at the butchers, greengrocers and newsagents even when the Tesco option is available! I must say that I would be impressed if Newtown shoppers did that instead of doing what shoppers in every other town do with a large supermarket available.
You can have your Tescos but be under no illusions about the economics of the situation in a town the size of Newtown - it will kill dead local opposition from small traders. If you're willing for that to happen then go ahead but don't pretend it will be the same afterwards."
Pearl Budworth from Newtown believes that another supermarket will mean bad news for other supermarkets and not locally owned shops.
Pearl:"Anyone who has shopped recently in Morrisons would agree that there is a need for serious competition. I am fed up with long queues for parking and for check-outs. I certainly welcome Waitrose as it will be close to town and despite its higher prices offers good quality but I feel there is also a need for another large supermarket like Tesco and trade will only be taken off or shared with Morrisons not town shops. If I want to shop in town I will whether there is an out of town supermarket or not."
Mrs Nijjer from Handsworth, Birmingham has made the following point:
"I am moving from Birmingham to Newtown and think the town would really benefit with a Tesco and I would still choose local produce."
Terry from Newtown is opposed to the development:
"We have recently moved to Newtown from a town where Tesco had built a supermarket on the green belt outskirts. The local council were swayed by a promise to provide a swimming pool for the area. When this was eventually built, it wasn't big enough for the community, and the foolish council forgot to ensure a contribution from Tesco for the staffing and maintenance of the facility. We thus wound up with a small, expensive pool, no butchers, greengrocers or fishmongers, one baker and a high street full of building societies, estate agents and charity shops.
The impact Tesco has on our society is too great - ask any supplier who pays least for meat, milk etc. The flying in of luxury foods must have an adverse effect on present climate problems too. It is unlikely that they would create more jobs than they would destroy. Traffic problems in and through the town would be worsened. The weekly market and town shops provide fresh, good food, and we have had no problems with meat or vegetables bought from any of the three other supermarkets in town."
Joe from Newtown agreed with Philip's comments.
"I think Mr Glynn is correct. Let's have a Tesco to at least give Morrissons some belated competition and to drag Newtown into the 21st century. I also hear that Lidl want to move into town. Personally I think this is a bad idea, mainly because of where they want to put their new store. I hear they want the J T Hughes site With the current traffic problems we have is this wise?
Philip Glynn from Newtown kicked off this talking point with these comments:
"Plans to build a new Tesco superstore in Newtown on the derelict livestock market site have met with a mixed reaction. I am all in favour of Tescos coming, I believe it will regenerate the town's economy and create more jobs. The fear of the town's traders is offset by the advantages of a new store opening. I have analysed the make up of the town's shops and concluded that no more than 3 types are under threat, butchers, newsagents and greengrocers. But I also believe that those that shop in these shops now will continue to do so. There will be a counter reaction by some to not go to Tescos. So like so many other shoppers in town who support me in this I say come on in Tesco, you are very welcome, let's see the market site used again, bring Newtown into the 21st Century.
I want to find out how many people in this area want and don't want Tesco's to come. Ironically when it does come a by pass will be needed for the extra traffic generated!"
Do you agree or disagree? Whatever your viewpoint, get in touch and have Your Say.
