South

Everyone should read Tesco report

Madam,

The independent experts’ report on the proposed Machynlleth Tesco development is now available, and makes very interesting reading.

Everyone should read it. It highlights inconsistencies in Tesco’s assumptions, and warns of the risk of the Co-op closing, resulting in (as stated in the report) less shopping choice, and the only large supermarket being located away from the centre of the town.

It is obvious that the interests of Tesco are not exactly in line with the best interests of the town. Large supermarkets are ruthless players in real-life monopoly, and will try their best to squeeze out their opposition.

The best interest of the town is probably to have a mixture of shops which may include some improvement in supermarket provision.

Personally, I don’t want a Tesco, but many people do, and they should not be denied that. The compromise would be (as the report concludes), a smaller Tesco that does not impinge too much on the high street shops, nor one that causes the Co-op to close.

Unfortunately it seems that Tesco has the upper hand to dictate what they want. It is wrong that the local planners do not seem to have the power to dictate what is best for the town. However, armed with this report, they might now stand a better chance.

Whilst not all of Machynlleth’s shops may be ideal, many are. Mach is not that bad!

Many people warn that Tesco would simply reapply, and get their bigger store, and then eventually sell all sorts of other products. However, I am convinced that the overwhelming majority of people in and around Machynlleth would not want a Tesco monopoly, and would not like to see the town suffer significantly.

It would require a better public awareness of the issues, and just a little effort from everyone to ensure that Tesco doesn’t eventually force its way through and get their bigger store to the detriment of the town.