Why we want Tesco - locals respond to petition against new Bramley store

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Locals angry over plans to open Tesco Express store in Bramely

Last week we reported on locals who were opposed to Tesco's proposal to buy Robertsons Electrical in Bramley High Street, with the intention of turning the premises into an Tesco Express store. This week, an anonymous local in who believes the chain could be good for Bramley expresses their views.

Outrage may blind us to important issues. Robertson's Electrical stores have been in the village for about 75yrs. The world of electronics retail has changed and they are rightly trying to salvage their business and stay afloat.

An attractive financial lifeline from Tescos to purchase the premises has to be considered carefully by Robertsons. The alternative is likely to be an empty shop for months, spelling greater financial difficulties for the current owners. 

Undoubtedly villagers would rather see an attractive independent shop takeover the premises, but there are no guarantees such an applicant would materialise - and you may end up choosing between Tesco & Sainsbury's.

As a local resident I would love to see Bramley thrive and I bristle at the idea of it losing character but perhaps we should be realistic and consider the prospect of another supermarket - I do not believe they are trying to poach customers who patronise the local grocer and butcher; they are trying to poach the regular customers of Budgens and Nisa who do not offer good value in my view.

Tesco is hated by many, but it does offer low prices on essential household items and basic groceries, and not everyone living in Bramley can afford to shop "locally" at present.  We live in difficicult economic times and I can understand that people of limited means would welcome a chance to shop at lower prices, without needing to journey to out-of-town supermarkets.

For villagers with more money to spend the independent stores are fantastic; these existing relationships will be protected because passionate local shoppers will maintain their current shopping habits.

However, other villagers who currently feel isolated by the prices of independent shops are making trips to out-of-town supermarkets. They feel that the independent stores take advantage of Bramley's relative isolation by selling under the guise of exclusivity.

Just because the high street shows signs of regeneration does not mean it serves everyone. The gentrification process can isolate many residents. Those who are indifferent or warming towards the idea of a more keenly priced local supermarket on the High Street feel embarrassed of admitting their views in public.

This goes hand-in-hand with people who lament the inflated house prices which is making it impossible for ordinary working people and their children to remain in the village they have known all their lives.

In some of the best high streets a 'budget' supermarket can jostle alongside high-class butchers and pricey independents, catering to all shoppers - some of whom will pledge their allegiance to one side of the street and many of whom will pick and choose between the two depending on their weekly requirement and their monthly bank balance.

I believe Nisa and Budgens currently inflate their prices and take advantage of Bramley's identity crisis. The High Street could be all things to all people.

Other commenters said:

From Charlotte: I would be pleased if Tesco came to Bramley High Street. I struggle to feed my family of four without spending a huge amount, and a cheaper, respected chain would be appreciated. Those who have the luxury to spend more shouldn't be trying to stop a shop opening that could really help those on lower incomes. Please vote with your feet, not on behalf of others who might want a Tesco.

From Brian: Stop fussing I'm a local and I think it's a great idea. Times are changing and our high street needs to evolve to keep up. Overall, jobs will be gained not lost because workers in independent shops who find themselves out of work will most likely be able to get a job at the new express store. Also, what about us locals who are bored of paying extortionate prices in stuffy independent shops? This is exactly what we need.

From a local Bramley resident: Great for competition. I totally support this application, as I feel the prices in Bramley are currently inflated. This will lower prices and offer better opening hours than the existing stores. It's so easy to bash the UK's largest retailer, but they are big for a reason - they provide a service that is hard to beat. What people should be focusing on is the loss of Robertson's. This is progress people...