http://www.explore-inverness.com/images/shops/Tesco-every-little-helps-lo_small.jpg

On Tuesday night members of Wyre Forest District Council voted in favour of Tesco´s bid to build a new store, carpark and petrol station on the old Carpets of Worth site.

http://apps.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/wfdc_html/planning/local_plan/photos/town/ga.jpg

This plan is still to be referred to the Secretary of State and is also subject to several conditions such as the building of a new access road, a new bridge over the river Stour and payments of over £500.000 towards other benefits including bus services.

I was a little surprised that these plans at first, considering the concerns about traffic, pollution and the threat to local traders. David Hall, development executive at Tesco says that the new store will encourage people to come back into Stourport and thatthis development will create 200 new jobs! This would also increase the prospects of a relief road.

I´m not sure I totally agree with Mr. Hall´s statement. This may well encourage people into TESCO but not to Stourport High Street. Just because there´s there is a new bloody Tesco store store in the town will NOT ensure people come flocking back into the town.

Here´s an interesting question for you: Why would anyone come from Worcester or Kidderminster come into Stourport just because we got a new Tesco store? Especially when they ALREADY HAVE ONE!

The puzzle of how to entice people back into Stourport will NOT be solved by a mere Tesco superstore. Just as you wouldn´t solve the wars in Israel by dumping one in Beruit.

The Conservative Councillor June Salter, who represented Stourport Town Council at the meeting said:

¨It was because of the conditions recommended by the county council's Highways Authority that we felt able to recommend approval¨.

That´s interesting... So it seems that the need for a relief road and a new bridge outweigh the traffic concerns and the impact on the high street (seemingly nothing to worry about according to TESCO Development Exec).

Anyway, who says this new relief road will solve any problems at all... Now twice as much traffic will be flowing through Stourport. Mind you we´l need that relief road once the store opens.

Independent Health Concern Councillor, Howard Martin was opposed to the plans stating that it would´t be the Kidderminster Tesco that suffered, rather it would be other retailers in Wyre Forest or Stourport.

So it´s nice to know that once the new Tesco store opens we can welcome more people into our fair town.. Unfortunately though not on the high street. So it´s bad news for us but at least Tesco will make a few quid. I can´t help but think we have all been right royally SHAFTED by our Local Council, who are supposed to have our interests at heart.