Last updated at 11:32, Thursday, 22 January 2009

TESCO has just unveiled plans to open a store in Ulverston. But many residents object to the proposed new store because they believe the nationwide retailer does not fit the town's traditional market town image.
In the light of that opposition, a campaign is under way to get Tesco to open a store on Dalton Road, Barrow instead. But that idea is also causing controversy. AMY FENTON reports

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TESCO recently confirmed it will open in Ulverston’s former Woolworths store.

The retail giant said it would lease the Market Street building and open one of its convenience stores “as soon as possible”.

But the idea has split Ulverston.

Some have welcomed the new Tesco because it will fill the empty shop left by Woolworths and it shows confidence in the town

But many residents think the nationwide firm does not fit the town’s traditional market town image. And some are worried it will dominate trade and smaller independent traders will suffer.

With that in mind, a pensioner in Barrow has launched a campaign to bring the planned Ulverston Tesco to Barrow’s main shopping street instead.

Marie Read, 70, has set up a petition calling on the massive retailer to open a store in Dalton Road. She believes it would benefit the older population. Mrs Read said: “At the Cotswold Crescent Community Centre, we were talking about how residents in Ulverston didn’t want a Tesco to move into the old Woolworths store and we said how we’d love to have it on Dalton Road.”

Mrs Read, of Warwick Street, Barrow, added: “There’s not really anywhere to go and get your food and groceries. For some of us older people, it’s hard to get all the way to Tesco and with it being such a big store, some people might find it intimidating.”

But Neil Charnley, owner of NC Meats butchers, in Dalton Road, believes another supermarket would signal the end of independent shops.

Mr Charnley, 35, said: “It would affect my business so I certainly wouldn’t want one. We do need more shops on Dalton Road but I don’t think a supermarket, big or small, is the answer.”

Mr Charnley added that he believes Barrow has more than enough of the big stores.

Susan McBride, owner of Barney’s greengrocers, in Risedale Road, Barrow, said she would not want to see another supermarket in the town.

Mrs McBride, 44, said: “I don’t think it would affect our business too much because we have our regulars and people can come to us for things the supermarkets don’t stock. But personally, I wouldn’t want to see another Tesco, there are far too many of them and they’re just being greedy.”

The petition already has more than 50 signatures. It states: “There is a strong possibility that Tesco will be moving into the ex-Woolworths store in Ulverston, which, it appears, is not what the people want.

“We, the undersigned, mainly senior citizens from Barrow, would appreciate a Tesco store in Dalton Road. As there is no grocery store apart from M&S in Dalton Road, could Tesco take over the ex-Woolworths store there?

“The walk from Ramsden Square bus stop to Tesco in Hindpool Road is quite a trek and is obviously harder work back again with shopping bags.

“We would love a Tesco store back again in Dalton Road!”

But Doug Wilson, corporate affairs manager for Tesco in Cumbria, said there are no plans to open another store in Barrow.

Mr Wilson said: “We have a dedicated property team who continually review our coverage in any area.

“However, a new store in Barrow is not included in our current plans.”

First published at 11:52, Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk