The proposed new Tesco store will “damage Littleborough”, say locals

The proposed site on Skipton Street, Littleborough for a Tesco supermarket

On the day that Peel Street, Littleborough hosted its monthly Farmer's Market, we visited the market to ask the people of Littleborough if they think Littleborough will be damaged if plans to build a new Tesco on Stockton Street go ahead. 

Elizabeth Chater said: “Tesco would damage the character of Littleborough. Personally, I think we have enough shops here.”

Elizabeth and other residents are currently collecting signatures in a petition to stop the build of the store. She added: “Tesco have admitted themselves that the store will take £1 million out of the local economy and we already have many local shops struggling.”

Littleborough is a town, which prides itself on local shops and local produce.

Brian Colwill from Coddys Farm Shop said: “They tried to get us to supply them local produce but we wouldn’t get paid for at least 90 days and we can't live like that.” Brian, who is a butcher by trade, added: “I don’t think we’ll stop them for a minute.”

With the petition ongoing, campaigners hope to receive at least 1,000 signatures and currently have the support of 700 people. Sandra Evans from Pextenement Cheese Company said: “It will be a mistake for the community and small businesses.”

Campaigners are also worried about the traffic that would come into Littleborough, not only from the delivery trucks but also from the amount of people travelling to Littleborough to shop at the store.

MP Simon Danczuk has expressed caution over the proposals, warning Littleborough's unique identity could be threatened by the development.

Mr Danczuk said it was important that planners took into account a need to preserve a distinct identity and also looked at the impact of major Tesco stores elsewhere.

He said: “Littleborough is a great place and its many independent shops give it a unique selling point. Having such a distinct identity is a very precious commodity nowadays and we can ill afford to lose this.”

If the plans went ahead, a 24,000 sq ft store will be in Stockton Street on a site currently occupied by Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, would employ 50 full time and 50 part time staff and would be open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 6pm on Sunday.