MP challenges Tesco research

Simon Danczuk MP

Research being used to back the proposed new Tesco food store in Littleborough has been challenged by local MP Simon Danczuk.

Prior to his election as an MP, Mr Danczuk was founding director of a social research company and he says the report submitted to Rochdale Council, by consultants HOW Planning, is flawed in that the conclusions are based on a survey of the effects of a Somerfield supermarket on the nearby business community - Somerfield was a budget supermarket more akin to Kwik Save than Tesco - and cannot be compared with the effects a Tesco supermarket has on nearby retailers.

Mr Danczuk said: "I have looked through the consultant's report and Tesco has not done any research at all in Littleborough. The findings in their report are from on an off the shelf report based on another chain of small supermarkets that no longer exists!"

He added that he remained concerned at the impact that a new giant Tesco store would have on local businesses.

"A strong local high street far outweighs Tesco in terms of economic benefits," he argued. "A study by the New Economics Foundation shows that for every £1 spent with a local independent supplier it is worth £1.76 to the local economy, and only 36 pence if it is spent with non local suppliers."

The household shopper survey informing Rochdale Council’s latest Retail Study found that 75% of Littleborough residents do their main food shop outside the village at one of the large out of town stores near Rochdale. A further 5% of residents go to the Morrisons in Todmorden.

Tesco advocates say a new store on Stockton Street will "meet this gap in provision and encourage people to shop locally, clawing back business that is leaking away".

A spokesperson for Developer Property Alliance Group (PAG) said: “Nine out of ten people currently leave Littleborough to use large food stores elsewhere because their main food shopping needs are not met locally. A new store in this location will cater for this demand and reduce the flow of people and money away from the village.

“The store will bring 120 free parking spaces which will be available to all local shoppers. Upgraded crossings on Church Street and Stockton Street are planned to help shoppers get from the new car park to local stores. The reduction in car journeys will also save local people time and money and lower emissions.”

Developer Property Alliance Group (PAG) has submitted plans for a new 2,220 sqm food store which will create 100 jobs in Littleborough. The plans will also see local high specification manufacturer Carlisle Interconnect Technologies relocate to new premises within the local area.