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'Chain-free' town takes on Tesco | 'Chain-free' town takes on Tesco |
(about 5 hours later) | |
Residents of a small West Yorkshire market town have started a campaign against supermarket giant Tesco. | Residents of a small West Yorkshire market town have started a campaign against supermarket giant Tesco. |
Locals fear a proposed large superstore in Holmfirth would ruin the town's character and cause congestion. | |
Campaigner Margaret Dale said: "We are not anti-Tesco, we are anti any very large superstore." | Campaigner Margaret Dale said: "We are not anti-Tesco, we are anti any very large superstore." |
A spokesperson for Tesco said: "The majority of shoppers we have spoken to are in favour of the store. We want to keep shoppers in Holmfirth." | A spokesperson for Tesco said: "The majority of shoppers we have spoken to are in favour of the store. We want to keep shoppers in Holmfirth." |
The town is a popular tourist destination as it is the home of the long-running BBC comedy series Last of the Summer Wine. | The town is a popular tourist destination as it is the home of the long-running BBC comedy series Last of the Summer Wine. |
The 6201 sq-m planned store would be in New Mill Road, about two miles from the town centre. | The 6201 sq-m planned store would be in New Mill Road, about two miles from the town centre. |
'Unique character' | 'Unique character' |
Mrs Dale of the Keep Holmfirth Special campaign said: "Holmfirth is made up completely of independent shops which gives the town a distinct character. | Mrs Dale of the Keep Holmfirth Special campaign said: "Holmfirth is made up completely of independent shops which gives the town a distinct character. |
"There is evidence to show that when an out of town supermarket is created town centre shops suffer." | "There is evidence to show that when an out of town supermarket is created town centre shops suffer." |
She added: "The roads around Holmfirth are not suitable for the levels of traffic Tesco will need to support a store of this size. Roads in this area are narrow, twisty and steep and there are a number of dangerous junctions nearby. | She added: "The roads around Holmfirth are not suitable for the levels of traffic Tesco will need to support a store of this size. Roads in this area are narrow, twisty and steep and there are a number of dangerous junctions nearby. |
"We agree that the town needs to develop, but this is not the way to go." | "We agree that the town needs to develop, but this is not the way to go." |
Representatives from Tesco were due in the town on Monday to talk to locals about their concerns. | Representatives from Tesco were due in the town on Monday to talk to locals about their concerns. |
Tesco spokesperson Joe Digson said the store would offer more choice to residents. | Tesco spokesperson Joe Digson said the store would offer more choice to residents. |
"We recognise the unique character of Holmfirth and we want to complement what is available there. | "We recognise the unique character of Holmfirth and we want to complement what is available there. |
"Currently 8 out of 10 shoppers from Holmfirth and the surrounding villages are driving to Huddersfield to do their shopping." | "Currently 8 out of 10 shoppers from Holmfirth and the surrounding villages are driving to Huddersfield to do their shopping." |
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