Residents of UK's most expensive town boycott Tesco

Residents of UK's most expensive town to boycott Tesco


Wealthy residents on the millionaire's row of Sandbanks are planning to
boycott a Tesco store which is set to open in the affluent neighbourhood.








The Sandbanks area of Poole,
Dorset, where residents are planning to boycott a new Tesco's
store. Photo:
ALAMY






By Louise Gray, Environment
Correspondent

9:26PM BST 16 May 2013


59 Comments




The supermarket giant unveiled its plans to turn a pub on the sandy peninsula
in Poole Harbour, Dorset, into a store last year, which sparked uproar from
horrified locals.


The neighbourhood has some of the most expensive property in Britain, with
bungalows selling for millions of pounds.


Residents said the store would look 'like a filling in a set of teeth' and
thought a Waitrose or Marks and Spencers would be more suited to the affluent
area.


A petition was started in a bid to stop the convenience shop opening in
Sandbanks, which is the fourth most expensive area in the world to live.



But Tesco have now revealed that they are continuing with the controversial
plans, and the store is expected to open in July.



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Under development rights regulations, the supermarket chain is able to
convert the Sandacres Pub into a shop without planning permission.

It did submit four applications for minor changes, which include a cash
point, shop frontage, cycle stands, 6ft fencing, new windows and air
conditioning units.

Around 425 people have signed the campaign against the shop, which states
that residents are 'far from happy to be next to and/or looking out on to a
Tesco Express.'

Some of the well-heeled residents think the blue and red logo will be too
garish for the upmarket location and others are concerned about additional noise
and traffic.

Peter Oliver, the manager of the Cafe Shore eatery on Sandbanks, said:
"Having a Tesco here with their bright logo is going to be a real eyesore.

"It's going to look like a filling in a set of teeth. A Marks and Spencer
would have been much better suited to the area and would have blended in well.


"I don't drive so the store would be useful but I'd rather have something
that looked nice instead of a logo that stands out from a mile away.

"Everyone is saying the same thing and I don't think many people will be
happy about it."

Ross Stallion, a 36-year-old sales director from neighbouring Canford Cliffs,
said: "The area could do with a convenience store but a Waitrose or Marks and
Spencer would be better suited."

The petition was started by Karen Denham who owns nearby newsagent Sandbanks
Stores and believes resident's views have been 'totally ignored'.

She said: "I believe local people will boycott it, a lot of my regulars here
have already said they will not use it."

A spokesman for Tesco said: "We think it will be really handy for people who
are looking for a sandwich, are looking to add something extra to their picnic
and for those who need to top up their weekly shop with a few extra essentials."


Sandbanks is known for its multi-million pound harbour-front mansions.

Its high profile residents include ex-Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry
Redknapp and computer magnate Sir Peter Ogden.

A Tesco spokesman said many locals approve of the store.

"We have worked closely with local residents and community groups on the look
and feel of our store. We are very pleased that following this work, our
applications have been approved by the local council. We have spoken to many
people who are looking forward to using the new store and look forward to
serving the local community."