Campaigners aiming to stop Tesco’s multi-million pound bid for a new store in Tenbury Wells will tonight plead with councillors to support their alternative plan for the former Cattle Market site.
I was expecting the Pump Rooms to be packed with all the Tenbury Futures supporters, so was rather surprised to see only 2 people that I recognised from the Futures group plus 3 other members of the public (who don't usually attend).
Matt Crawford spoke on behalf of the Futures Group.
He explained that Tenbury Futures "acted as a focal point point for concerned people, businesses, former residents & tourists"
He went on to say "that the ideas were from the 300 returned questionnaires" and that the majority of the people wanted "the reuse of the RBB building, additional car parking, space for the Holy & Mistletoe market and room for the Food Fair & Applefest" also that "Plan B was just one possible use for the site" also "details need to be fleshed out"
He claimed that the Cattle Market had been "closed for 12 years" (which surprised me) and that "a number of grants would be available"
Tenbury Futures plan to form a "Public Interest Company" and that investors would be "offered a return on investment" with income being derived from "rental income, car parking charges and the sale of excess electricity"
Tenbury Futures had made an effort to contact the site owner, but he remained illusive.
In a later part of the meeting, WCC Cllr Ken Pollock said that he had visited the Cattle Market site with the County Council's Engineering Project Manager who commented that it was very unlikely that permission would ever be granted for a bridge in that location, and if it was, then for the necessary road linkages, a building on Teme Street would have to be demolished (He didn't say which but I think it's safe to say the Spar block) With the cost of the planning, land purchase, bridge & road works then the scheme would cost many £Ms. It was also unlikely that WCC would agree to add another bridge to their ongoing maintenance budget. (See press release for full details)
So that idea is dead then!
Additional information.
Press Release from Cllr Pollock
289 people returned the Tenbury Futures Questionnaire, of these 101 were from Tenbury Wells & 34 from Burford. The majority of the people who completed forms also wrote objection letters to MHDC regarding the Cattle Market planning application.
2130 people are registered as voters in the Tenbury Town Ward (this excludes St Michaels)
The 2001 census reported a population of 3,316 in Tenbury Wells and 1,108 in Burford.
Posts
111 comments:
I do wish the Tenbury Futures plans had more substance to them. The basic idea that funds might be raised collectively for the good of the community is great. But not having any idea how much needs to be raised makes it difficult to judge the viability of such a scheme. If WCC say it will cost many £Millions to build a new bridge you have to assume they have a fair idea of what they are talking about. Raising that kind of money sounds like a big challenge especially when Tesco's are breathing down your neck all the time and seem to have money to spare.
Was Kafka holding Mr Crawford's hand?
Matt Crawford speaking on behalf of Tenbury Futures! I think we know where your motivation is coming from and its not the future of Tenbury is it?
we all know which family matt crawford belongs to
and he is only doing this for themselves they dont really care about tenbury
This time round people will see the light
Just because someone clearly has a prejudicial interest, it doesn't mean that they can't express what they believe is best for the town. The trouble is by not clearly highlighting the prejudicial interest, it fuels speculation that those are the only reason for the actions. Bowketts and Spar will be the businesses most affected in a negative way by the competition Tesco may bring to Tenbury.
There have been many similar (and some much more hostile) comments about Matt which I'm not going to publish. I think he should be praised for standing up publicly and presenting Tenbury Futures case.
Unfortunately, the case is not a strong one, and the statistics are flawed.
With only 3% of the population of Tenbury & Burford returning questionnaires it is difficult to claim a mandate for action.
personally u should publish them
because tenbury futures is all about bowketts and spar
so is plan c going to be save bowkets and spar campaign
drop your prices and people might support u
bring on the competition it good for the town
bowketts and spar u must learn to compete you dont own tenbury well u think u do but your days of being a cartel are over
A councillor said that a County Council statement about the plan for a new bridge was read at the Town Council meeting. Did the County Council discuss the plan with Tenbury Futures or did they rubbish it without getting full information?
A councillor said one councillor said there should be a referendum to find out what local people wanted. Will there be one?
I appreciate the futures group web master is on his hols, but still the silence is deafening.
Surely some hierarchical structure exists within the group to allow representation in light of the press release and apparent rebuttal?
Click my name.
Interesting program about Ludlow, not specifically a program about Tesco but it does show how the thriving town with many many independent stores sit side by side with a Tesco store.
It is not just about Bowketts and Spar....an A1 store would allow Tesco "Carte Blanche", electrical goods, pharmacy, cafe, estate agents, bank the list goes one....
Why attack someone who is defending a family business which has served and supported Tenbury for over 100years?
You have to question if people are jealous, envious or just plain poisonous. Would the anonymous people who are attacking Matt on this forum say the same to him in the street? Probably not.....
No WCC did not discuss the plan with Tenbury Futures prior to releasing its statement...and frankly the maintenance comment is complete and utter tosh!.....the maintnenance on a new bridge has to be more cost effective when you consider the cost of the maintenance overhead on an ancient monument.
Tenbury has been given short change by WCC and MHDC for too long, stand up for the town and pressure the councils to stop the town being neglected...
I think, more to the point, did Tenbury Futures discuss their ideas with WCC (the bridge authority) and MHDC (the planning authority) prior to publicising their ideas. No. I didn't think so. No more, than they consulted various other groups & organisations about some of the suggested other uses.
A Cllr did suggest a referendum, but it is unlikely to happen. One, the Town Council are close to running out of money. Two, even if there was a referendum, it wouldn't include Burford, and three, it would have no effect on the planning process. Some individual Cllrs have already made up their mind how they will vote and the results will have no effect on them. So all in all it would be a complete waste of money that the Council can ill afford.
Tenbury Town Council have no power regarding planning. They can make a comment, as can anyone, but they do not make decisions.
You are correct in your assumption that an "an A1 store would allow Tesco "Carte Blanche"", but this is a small store and it would not have the room to stock the sort of range they do in their superstores.
Small store....in comparison to a Tesco extra maybe, but the size and population of Tenbury does not justify the size of store proposed for food alone, therefore the range of food goods will be reduced to allow for "other" goods to be stocked....or of course they may use the store and associated warehouse as a "home Delivery Depot" for the Teme valley, allowing them to increase floor space at Ludlow......o and increasing the amount of delivery vans etc going over the bridge....
"Would the anonymous people who are attacking Matt on this forum say the same to him in the street? Probably not....."
Yeh I will next time I see him.
Given the geological spread of the objectors, then I guess that there are more than enough potential customers to justify the size of the Tesco store.
I do not know Matt; but the comments above are uncomfortable and disgraceful.
The Tenbury we all knew has obviously changed.
Presenting options is wise; we must welcome then. Then with rationale a decision can be made.
Tesco to me is not a good option. Tenbury future are making some very valid contributions.
Is Tenbury as resilent as Ludlow for Tesco to compliment Tesco offering?
Will Tenbury be a vibrant and dynamic market town? How can our traditions be kept and move with the times?
Debate is a good thing; personal attacks only reflect badly on the person making them.
Wouldn't it be better to spend the money on a new bridge rather than on digging up the pavements?
Where to draw the line.
Pavements or Bridges.
Libraries or Elderly Care.
Armies or Famine relief.
Oaklandsman seems to think that the money used for laying new pavements could build a new bridge . . . Oh dear! Not really worth a response.
I don't know why Ian is so rude, but maybe he doesn't realise he is being rude?
Surely it is obvious that when I said:
Wouldn't it be better to spend the money on a new bridge rather than on digging up the pavements?
what I meant was:
Wouldn't it be better to spend the money on a new bridge rather than on digging up the pavements?
This cannot be hard to grasp.
I did not mean:
Wouldn't the money they plan to spend on digging up the pavements pay for the entire cost of a new bridge?
Which is why I didn't say:
Wouldn't the money they plan to spend on digging up the pavements pay for the entire cost of a new bridge?
Come on Ian, raise your game, it's great to have as many views as possible, but you need to:
(a) be reasonably polite
(b) be reasonably intelligent
(c) read, and understand, what other people have posted before you respond.
It does nobody any favours - least of all yourself - if you simply spew out your vitriol without understanding what has already been posted.
I also mistook what you said with what you meant, or was it the otherway round.
I think what they plan to spend on the pavements wouldn't even pay for the paperwork on the bridge.
I'm not getting into who said what to who or who meant what.
But that's some mighty fine subtle hotlinking there Oaklandsdude ;-)
The streetworks are very expensive. One zebra crossing can cost £53,000 in Worcestershire (click on link for proof) and the streetworks in Tenbury involve at least three crossings. These aren't even simple zebra crossings, they are much more complicated than mere zebra crossings. So how much will they cost? Add the new lights, the new signs, the new road surface and the new pavement (lifting HOW MANY bricks and putting back flags like we had years ago) and you work it out for yourself.
Say two mill for a new bridge, rather than 1.2m to make the old bridge carry huge wagons. So only 800k more for a new bridge than to play game with a narrow and kinked ancient bridge.
Ask yourself how much the streetworks - crossings, signs, lights, brick lifting and flag laying - will all cost.
And what is the point? It'll still be a town that floods, a town with a kinked bridge at one end, and that corner by the Crow.
It's 2011, not 1951, and it's time we had roads that recognise this.
If anyone doesn't think it's expensive to redo all that brick pavement, get yourself a quote for doing your drive, then work it out!
"Why attack someone who is defending a family business which has served and supported Tenbury for over 100years?" I agree. Some people just cannot comprehend the risk and commitment that is needed to sustain a business for that long and Bowkett's should be applauded for that. Yes they have had the rewards but it is well deserved.
"your days of being a cartel are over" Possibly the most ridiculous statement I have seen. If the poster even understands what it means? Bowkett's offer a very viable alternative for many people with great quality meats, local foods, and very good service. This is not a cartel it is a sound business that is facing the onslaught of cut price national supermarkets full on. The suggestion that they have teamed up with Spar to fix prices is ‘stupid’.
"The trouble is by not clearly highlighting the prejudicial interest, it fuels speculation that those are the only reason for the actions." Regrettably I would have to agree with this. This has damaged what was a very credible undertaking. Matt should be applauded however for putting such a very well designed and thought out website together that has if nothing else creating a talking point with in the town. Sadly the plans so far have been deeply flawed and seem to follow a thread of 'anything but a supermarket'.
I have to say that I think Tenbury Futures has missed the obvious use for the site. Why not submit Plan C as a supermarket development by Bowkett’s? It has a lot going for it. Firstly the commercial status quo of the town remains intact, it preserves the essence of Tenbury, gives shoppers easier parking and will offer a greater choice, and lastly takes the site off the market. It would undoubtedly have the backing of local shoppers.
OaklandsMan (who seems to have adopted the technology of – as his title teasingly suggests- the Neolithic period) says that a new bridge would cost about £2m - whereas WCC say it would cost "several millions" which I take to mean a lot more than £2m. The fact is that a new bridge and its associated infrastructure would be hugely expensive AND the existing bridge would still need to be maintained. As for the so-called public realm in Tenbury: at the moment it's an eyesore, a disaster. Bring on the improvements I say!
If anyone hasn't seen the August 2011 issue of the Teme Valley Times, which includes general details of the new bridge proposal, it can be read online - click this post's heading.
The website is purely an electronic replica of the paper, so it's not really suitable for viewing on a phone, but it is ok on a netbook, provided you view one page at a time (rather than a spread).
Matt did not come up with the idea of the bridge or put together the website.
Bowkett's explored the option of building a supermarket on the site when it orginally closed but were informed by MHDC theat they couldn't knock the RB&B building down......
Futures aren't saying anything but a supermarket....they are saying anything but a store too large for the town, that would not only have a detrimental effect on the food retailers as a whole but as the store being applied for is an A1 type it would mean EVERY business in town would be hit eventually, including banks, financial services & estate agents, not to mention cafes etc.
It may not be in the immediate plan, but the Tesco vision is a one stop shop from craddle to grave.
Oaklandsman. I personally think that Tenbury needs the streetworks including new pavements.
Tenbury needs sprucing up, so please dont stamp out the possibility of the works happening.
As for the bridge, the idea of putting a second bridge in the proposed location is absolutely ridiculous.
How pleased are the likes of Spar going to be when their building has to be knocked down, not to mention a main road going straight through the middle of the fire station training yard and car park.
Cloud cuckoo land.
Only in Tenbury with 5 stores selling cigarettes could it happen.
Just gone 9 on a Sunday, only one retailer open and they run out if my brand.:(
So tell me again why I should support local stores again ???
They don't support my needs and with woeful stock control they don't seem able to support themselves...
"Just gone 9 on a Sunday, only one retailer open and they run out if my brand.:(
So tell me again why I should support local stores again ???
They don't support my needs and with woeful stock control they don't seem able to support themselves..."
Partly Sunday trading laws and partly looking out for your health. Filthy habit and rubbish margins - try giving up and save yourself some money.
Good on Matt Crawford for having the cahunas to suggest alternative ideas to TTC. Although he may have links with local business, it strikes me that Tenbury Futures represents what a large proportion of both town businesses (and) residents actually want.
If people didn't have the guts to speak out against the Tesco bully boys they they'd likely run riot all over the UK. Instead there are many, many such groups fighting Tesco in towns and cities across the UK.
A Tesco solution to the site isn't inevitable though and we see from the strength of feeling last time that many hundreds of local people will likely formally object to the plan.
Not sure how a Tesco would help you there old beardy....clearly it would have too large a floor space to open before 1000.
MR longbeard is right
when you go into bowketts
if they not got it they say comeback tomorrow when u come back tomorrow it is still out of stock
this proves better competition will make spar and bowketts fight for their customers
at the moment they are treating customers with contempt
Tenbury Tesco: Superstore or Warehouse?
Tetbury Tesco
Tesco built a store in Tetbury, Glos in 2009 despite substantial local opposition. The store was eventually much bigger than anticipated and indeed looked more like a galactic spaceship than a superstore sitting in the little Cotswold town.
With the development came the usual cash bungs to local organisations to stop them objecting as well as promises of many additional local jobs in retail on the large shop floor. But.. It wasn't long before the nature of the site in Tetbury was changed in part to a warehouse to act as a distribution depot thus lessening the shop's floorspace and the number of jobs.
Tenbury Tesco?
There seems to be much discussion in town about the possibility of the potential Tenbury Tesco store taking over from the van deliveries and distribution role from Ludlow Tesco. Many locally have already queried why the proposed floorspace is so large in such a small town and whether the locale could actually financially sustain such a size.. Could the answer be that (if it were granted planning) the store's use may well swiftly change akin to the Tetbury example?
If this scenario were to come true then the additional strain on the old Teme bridge from regular van deliveries (on top of their large HGV's) could easily add to the long running existing worries about associated increased congestion, traffic noise and added danger to pedestrians on the tight pavement area (even after pavement tweeks).
Mr Longbeard is not "right". If you think Tesco's do not run out of stock either then you clearly don't shop there. Take a look when you go to Kidderminster at the chill section next time. So I for one are not sure what your grumble is. Very naive at the least if you believe every supermarket or shop is completely fully stocked all the time. Complete full stock is difficult to achieve I am sure and it's not always the fault of the shop. I can remember one occasion trying to buy a chicken in Tescos one Sunday and they didn't have any (not one) so I popped into Sainsburys - plenty in there. I didn't rant and rave at the staff and tell them off or go without my Sunday chicken or bear a grudge. It's the same in Ludlow, lots of gaps. Have you tried ordering stock from Argos - all the goods are not always available all of the time and when you ask they tell you when it's next due in. Are you saying Tesco's and Argos treat their customers with contempt because they do not have the stock - Probably not. I don't agree Spar and Bowketts treat their customers with contempt - a flippant accusation with no foundation. Probably more realistic that you have a grudge against a member of staff, probably at both stores because they didn't have what you wanted at that very minute. You are the one treating with contempt and throwing your dummy out of your pram.
I don't expect a Tesco to have been open due to trading laws.
I might expect it may give current retailers a wake up call and get them to diversify, streamline, listen to their customers maybe.......... or not....
I don't expect a Tesco to have been open due to trading laws.
I might expect it may give current retailers a wake up call and get them to diversify, streamline, listen to their customers maybe.......... or not....
Mr Longbeard - you did a fair bit of moaning aimed at "the traders in Tenbury where you couldn't get any of your favourite brand ciggies at 9am on a Sunday morning" - so who do you expect to be open at 9am on a Sunday morning? You can't give traders a "wake up call" - against the law. You romance but you make it sound like you have all the answers. If you don't mean Tesco then who do you mean?
I can't imagine many shops like to be out of stock, but it can happen. Either because of a sudden rush or failure by a supplier. I am reliably informed that Bowketts do run out of special offers before the promotion period ends, but I guess that there are only a limited supply of these products. Both Bowketts & Spar have daily deliveries, but from my past retail experience I know just because you order something from the warehouse it doesn't mean it will arrive next day.
"I am reliably informed" Bowketts do not get daily deliveries of dried products (none fresh). These products are delivered 3 times a week.
".....Probably more realistic that you have a grudge against a member of staff, probably at both stores because they didn't have what you wanted at that very minute......"
I have no problems with any of the staff at any of the stores in town.
And to suggest as such really is cheap
"Bowkett's explored the option of building a supermarket on the site when it orginally closed but were informed by MHDC theat they couldn't knock the RB&B building down......"
Surely Bowkett's would not need such a large store as Tesco's are proposing? Couldn't the RB&B building be incorporated in to the design, as offices of similar?
A Bowkett Director said that Bowketts did consider the site, but felt that unless they could demolish the RBB building they couldn't build a store of sufficient size to get the appropriate ROI. They have also stated that they are no longer interested in the site (even if it became available).
(Doesn't mean they can't change their minds of course)
"this proves better competition will make spar and bowketts fight for their customers
at the moment they are treating customers with contempt"
An incredible level of disloyalty in this comment, not to mention being completely inaccurate. Bowkett's has been and will hopefully continue to be an incredibly success for Tenbury. You do not achieve this by showing your customers contempt or you would not have any!
Posting poison about your employer would be showing contempt.
walking down the street i notice that alot of plan b posters in the shops have disappear the ones on the cattle market have been torn down
maybe the shops who were displaying them have seen sense
Damn Mr Longbeard I think you have been rattled. Trying fight for Tesco but your arguement was destroyed by the fact Tesco wouldn't be open. Maybe you should look up at the opening time laws first.
Mr Anon yes they may have been taken down but maybe Mr Chase or the Council took them down from the cattle market. Maybe they are bringing out a Plan C.
Maybe Mr Anon you should come up with some good ideas other than Tesco. Something that would benefit the whole town not just Tesco's back pocket.
"........Damn Mr Longbeard I think you have been rattled. Trying fight for Tesco but your arguement was destroyed by the fact Tesco wouldn't be open. Maybe you should look up at the opening time laws first......"
Yes I'm so rattled that I have realised I can sit here, do nothing and in all probability look forward to a Tesco opening soon.
Maybe I will shop there, maybe the shops that step up to the challenge will be better for it and I'll use them, maybe I will continue to do most of my shopping out of town.
The only certainty is that I will not lower myself to petty sniping on an internet blog, I, after all as a consumer, have nothing to loose and everything to gain. These are exciting times ahead
tesco are coming u can attack me and mr longbeard as much as you want but your remarks are very
stupid
LESS posters in the town in the shop windows shows that plan b and tenbury futures has lost all credibility.
"this proves better competition will make spar and bowketts fight for their customers
at the moment they are treating customers with contempt"An incredible level of disloyalty in this comment, not to mention being completely inaccurate. Bowkett's has been and will hopefully continue to be an incredibly success for Tenbury. You do not achieve this by showing your customers contempt or you would not have any!
Posting poison about your employer would be showing contempt.
Crikey Bowkett's fan - do you know who this disloyal contemptuous mixed up person is? I'd love to know - do tell..... you can do it by form of anagram pleeaassee....
".....Probably more realistic that you have a grudge against a member of staff, probably at both stores because they didn't have what you wanted at that very minute......"
I have no problems with any of the staff at any of the stores in town.
And to suggest as such really is cheap
Well Mr Longbeard - I've been called cheap before now. Unfortunately if you think the comment is cheap then you should have been more explicit in your meaning because I simply picked up that you have not been happy with the service you have received and so I do not agree with you. If you believe a Company treats it's customers with contempt then you must mean the staff also, because staff are the first and last point of contact with customers and represent the Company - not just in Spar or Bowketts but across the world. Stuff that in your ciggie and smoke it. Oh I know I am being childish but it feels good for a second... before you come up with some other rhetoric.
Yes I'm so rattled that I have realised I can sit here, do nothing and in all probability look forward to a Tesco opening soon.
Maybe I will shop there, maybe the shops that step up to the challenge will be better for it and I'll use them, maybe I will continue to do most of my shopping out of town.
The only certainty is that I will not lower myself to petty sniping on an internet blog, I, after all as a consumer, have nothing to loose and everything to gain. These are exciting times ahead...
mmmmm petty sniping. I believe you started this "sniping" which is best kept petty - well and truly rattled "maybe". I certainly didn't start it. We are all consumers and hooray for you doing nothing.
"tesco are coming u can attack me and mr longbeard as much as you want but your remarks are very
stupid
LESS posters in the town in the shop windows shows that plan b and tenbury futures has lost all credibility."
attack - there is no attack just defence - you twist things and who are you calling dupid... - I've been called cheap but will not accept stupid. Apologies for my spelling but it happens to us all eh Mr Longbeard.. Anyway if defence upsets you so much I'll leave you and your friend to it - then you'll have no-one to respond to and you and your comments will go nowhere and silence will be golden. Although I have enjoyed this little spat - it takes one to know one and you've been played at your own game. IMHO.
Funny that the main one that attacks people and does it personally is now crying when some one defends. Then tries to twist it by saying we personally attacking them. If you can't take it Mr Anon don't dish it out
I see the shoe shop is closing down
Does this mean that Tenbury futures are wrong again on having small shops on the site.
THE ONLY shoe shop closing down shows Tenbury trade is going down the pan
Do you know the reasons why they are closing. It ain't the fault of Tenbury Futures they didn't make then close.
If it is because of not msking enough money then maybe people should START SUPPORTING LOCAL SHOPS and stop going out of town and fighting or a Tesco.
Here is my chance to open a shoe shop.. Lets hope I keep a left and a right foot in stock - Keep Longbeard happy
The shoe shop is closing in December because they can't afford to stay open once the bridge closes
what a load of nonsense anonymous
the store have got several shops
".......Here is my chance to open a shoe shop.. Lets hope I keep a left and a right foot in stock - Keep Longbeard happy....."
Go for it, there are a couple of empty shops you could move into tomorrow.
Don't fret you'll not have to serve me, I buy all of my shoes, boots & trainers etc online.
The store has several shops? Hm how do you know Mr Anon what are these other shops this person owns?
"...Longbeard ....buy your fags online keep everything simple for you:)..."
You know I had never considered buying them online.
Think i'll stick to just buying them from Sainsburys as the norm and leave the online stuff for my E-Cigs
"...The store has several shops? Hm how do you know Mr Anon what are these other shops this person owns?..."
Gwyther H & Son Ltd operate 3 shoe shops that I am aware of, Tenbury, Bishops Castle & Knighton
Yea ok so Mr Anon was right. They are closing because they won't be able to survive the bridge being closed. Nothing to do with Tenbury Futures as the Mr Personally Attacker Anon is trying to make out
"drop your prices and people might support u
bring on the competition it good for the town
bowketts and spar u must learn to compete you dont own tenbury well u think u do but your days of being a cartel are over"
Ian I am somewhat confused as to your criteria for publishing. The above is a direct attack on the owners of Bowkett's and accuses them of taking part in what in this country is an illegal activity. Now it is to most sensible people, I am sure just nonsense but you have published it as the opinion of this idiot. Now I am sure of the identity of the poster and it would be up to reader to decide if its true or not just as in his comments. It does seem that there is a degree of protection towards him here and you are not following your own rules in your disclaimer.
Bowketts fan if police were called it wouldn't be hard for them to trace where and what computer posted that comment. Maybe this is the only way to stop this one poster attacking people/businesses personally.
Yes true WR15 has ignored his own disclaimer which is why I have said he should step down and let someone neutral take over.
At the risk of repeating myself again. If anyone is unhappy with any comment that has been published they can contact me at the email address shown on the right hand side of the blog.
"Yes true WR15 has ignored his own disclaimer which is why I have said he should step down and let someone neutral take over."
Agreed.
Perhaps we should take this advice - "If you do not like what you read here, find another blog to read, or better still write your own." and play this idiot at his own game and see how he likes it. I bet he would not get quite so many votes in the next council elections if people knew what he was really like.
"At the risk of repeating myself again. If anyone is unhappy with any comment that has been published they can contact me at the email address shown on the right hand side of the blog."I think it's pretty obvious that people aren't happy - do you want it signed in blood? I agree people should have their views how good/bad Bowkett's is but you simply should not publish comments that state that an individual or company is involved in an illegal activity, that my friend is a pretty simple concept to understand and by publishing it, despite your protestations to the contrary you are acting as a conduit for it and must be deemed as supporting it.
I didn't know that I had stood for election.
As this is my blog, if I stand down, then no comments will be published!
I think it's best if you just stop reading it.
Then WR15 your only option is to either close this biased blog or be fair and follow your own disclaimer and not be biased
"and play this idiot at his own game and see how he likes it. I bet he would not get quite so many votes in the next council elections if people knew what he was really like."
Sincere apologies for my lack of clarity, this does not refer to you but the individual who likes the word 'cartel' etc etc etc.
"I think it's best if you just stop reading it."
You are probably right - but it's just so damn addictive.
I don't remember saying I wasn't biased. Sometimes it's best to let comments stand without comment, but I agree Bowketts & Spar don't have a cartel. They may have a virtual duopoly on some items, & they do account for around £7.5m of Tenbury's grocery spend. They also have some excellent special offers and compared with other places some exceedingly high prices on some items. If a third player comes to town they will have to innovate & adapt or give up & play dead. There are those customers who don't consider Nisa or Spar national players & think by shopping at these stores they are somehow "supporting the independent".
Bowketts may trade under the the name Nisa but they are still INDEPENDENT. And have been for over 100 years.
But what does that really mean. They buy stock, they employ staff, they make profits, the shareholders get a dividend.
Gwythers stores in Knighton, Welshpool and Tenbury Wells are expected to close by Christmas due to the economic downturn.
Read more: http://www.shropshirestar.com/shropshire-business/2011/08/15/shoe-firm-to-shut-three-shops-in-shropshire-and-mid-wales/#ixzz1V6Ux58mL
FAO. Mr Longbeard in response to the Ludlow TV Programme.
From the programme it's clear that Ludlow has a very different history, infrastructure and sizeable tourist industry [including large castle that administered Wales for 200 years etc] to Tenbury and with nearly 3 times Tenbury's present population at 10,000 to spend monies locally. It also has a much larger and more established formal market place than Tenbury that the TV programme explains has also had Shropshire CC invest monies in specifically to keep it a vibrant entity.
It has cleverly marketed itself in recent years and has tactically allied itself with the 'local food/produce' movement which the programme states is growing in popularity and importance with communities annually this helps give it's existing marketplace a clear USP. It also quite rightly trades on the back of Ludlow's national prominence as as a 'foodie town' with it's large food fairs and Michelin starred restaurants. Add to that it's praise over the years by luminaries such as Sir John Betchman and Daniel Defoe and it quickly seems a very different animal to Tenbury indeed. Lovely and interesting as Tenbury is it clearly can't compete on these terms and has nothing like the established tourism draw, national standing or well exploited USP[s].
Nick also explains that historically Ludlow grew rich on wool and this industry still provides a vital cash injection to the town. This in turn brings extra monies and people into the local economy [as explained on Nick's locator map that shows that people still come to trade from such places as both Cumbria and Aberystwyth].
Nick says that he's no fan of supermarkets in the programme though and describes them as a 'retailing smart bomb'. He goes on to explain the story of the town's long fight over many years with Tesco [described as 'eight or nine years of pain'] to try to minimise the damage that the incoming supermarket might cause if they really had to have one.
The Shropshire Star reported independent traders at the top of the town suffering from poor trading and losses in May 2010 - clearly alluding to trade polarising to the Tesco end of town as shoppers park up and use it as a 'one stop shop'. So in reality Ludlow's scenario is clearly very different to that of Tenbury's and the high st shops there aren't co-existing with the Tesco superstore as cosily as many try to suggest.
Many of the Ludlow traders, objected to the Shropshire Star article. One Butcher (from upper Ludlow) said that his business had improved since the arrival of Tesco. The shops near Tesco have benefited. Of course in Tenbury, all the shops are "near" the Cattle Market site, so (with the obvious exceptions) could benefit.
get your facts right Tenbury futures
Wr15
Any reason why you have not published the comment about Tesco national pricing policy that i posted last night ? Thanks
Yes, because it's a load of tosh, & I can't be bothered to write a comment explaining why.
A load of tosh - 800 prices different north of the border !! How much more evidence do you need ?
Don't just read the headlines. Do some extra research. It's tosh.
I think we're on the money regards facts in response to anonymous.
The comments regards Ludlow's heritage and tourism are taken directly off the BBC Nick Crane documentary. The comments from the May 2010 Shropshire Star article "Ludlow Suffering as Trade Evaporates" are just that too.
We've reviewed follow-up comments to the (above) article though and can find no immediate response from Ludlow butchers or other uptown traders to it. Maybe you could clarify by identifying the source of these additional responses WR15?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2023547/Tesco-breaks-price-pledge-charging-Scots-less.html
Proof Tesco doesn't have a national pricing policy.
The comments were made at a Ludlow Chamber of Trade meeting (or something similar)
The fact that Ludlow still has multiple Butchers speaks for itself.
Again, coming back to the programme, it explains Ludlow's prominent national status as a 'foodie town' - drawing people from near and far and helping supply the region's unique food industry. In the context of this, it's not that surprising that Ludlow has managed to retain some key craft butchers shops.
What we can't say with any certainty though is that their retention and continued vibrant trading is down to the onset of a Tesco superstore in the town.
"Yes, because it's a load of tosh, & I can't be bothered to write a comment explaining why."
Judge, jury, and executioner? I didn't realise you had to approve every comment before publishing it as well as checking that it's pro Tesco. WR15 you are really conflicted and very very biased and possibly getting a little rattled. Talk about Bowkett's and Spar having a duopoly you have a monopoly on comments. The gloss is rubbing off and I think far from allowing people to comment freely you have gone power crazy (in your very small world) and are trying to create an unfair picture of the true feeling in town.
Don't bother publishing this or commenting because I can't be bothered to listen to your reply.
WR15 why is it you have always said get proof Tesco don't have a national pricing policy and when we find proof you won't publish it.
Does it mean you don't want your precious Tesco's name being tarnished.
I think you will find every news outlet has an editor. (OK I'm a micro-blog not a proper registered newspaper)
Funny how when a previous Tesco computer error led to them selling Beer at 3 packs for £11 instead of £11 off if you bought three packs, no one thought that was a conspiracy yet when they sell cotton wool pads at £1.03 in England and 29p in Scotland it isn't a computer error.
I don't have a monopoly on news in Tenbury, the BBC, Shropshire Star, Tenbury Advertiser and the Teme Valley Times all carry letters or comment. You can also comment on the Tenbury Futures & No Tesco Blog neither of which are edited by me.
WR15 you re biased. You favour with the pro Tesco. This is called the Tenbury Blog, so you should be neutral on your posts and publishing them. But you are constantly publishing all pro Tesco comments and personal attacks from a certain anonymous person which is obviously pro Tesco.
You need to be more unbiased. And yes the other Mr Anonymous is right you think you have a monopoly over the news in your small little world. But WR15 get a reality check this is the real world.
The so called proof you sent me is a link to a newspaper story.
What many claim is that where Tesco are the only retailer in town they put up their prices.
On this occasion there was a error in the computer system used in Scotland. If you are an anti Tesco zealot then you can say that this was a conspiracy to charge less in Scotland, but it's not proof that Tesco don't have a national pricing policy.
No WR15 they are charging less. But they say it's a "computer glitch" because they got found out and want to make it "not their fault" Classic Tesco lying yet again.
Now why don't you just publish it like a good little boy.
So if the Sunday Times, The Monday Telegraph as well as the likes of Yahoo are "Factually incorrect" and are guilty of publishing "Tosh" why have we not seen an injunction or a writ to prevent the allegations being prevented....probably because the story is true!
It's not factually incorrect. It did happen & in each article they clearly show Tesco's explanation as to how.
As far as I know, no one has reported this event to the Office of Fair trading as positive proof that Tesco don't have a national pricing policy and asked for them to investigate.
tenbury futures you are running out of ideas
and stop attacking wr15
he does a good job
Why should people stop attacking wr15 when u attack us
We will stop attacking WR15 when he stops being biased.
TENBURY FUTURES GROW UP
Again, all we can re-iterate is that we've tied-in to references on Ludlow from either BBC TV or the Shropshire Star. If 'anonymous' doubts their testimony or factual accuracy then they should take it up with them.
With ref to the other 'anonymous', we're not attacking WR15 here - it would seem it's a set of other 'anonymous' commenters if you re-read the chronology.
800 price difference - how long was this computer glitch going on for .
....."The store is an 'A1' class superstore - which means that it could easily include [or add at a future date without great issue] a pharmacy, post office and hardware/homewares on top of the large range of discounted food goods it will stock. This of course could potentially affect a large percentage of the remaining embattled shops in the town instead of just the food shops which we feared on the last application..."
Taken from the futures blog, I've copied it here to comment as I'm not convinced it'd get any airing over there.
A little sensationalist isn't it, given that the store has to be a class A1 commercial building as in all probablity are most of the shops already trading in Tenbury???
http://www.startinbusiness.co.uk/info_advice/regulations/uk/property/planning_use_classes_order1987.htm
Tenbury Shops
A1 convenience 8
A1 comparison 27
A1 other 9
Total A1 44
A2 34
A3 and A5 8
Vacant 12
Total 98
Of course Bowketts & Spar wouldn't even consider stocking anything that is sold in other specialist shops, like cards, papers, sweets, stamps, pet products, wool, (even I'm getting bored now)
Oh Mr Longbird FAIL. No A1 Commercial in Tenbury. Try again now.
Tenbury Future's are talking about, shoes, clothes, electrical goods. Not pet food, cards, papers etc.
Confused. Why do you say no A1 Commercial in Tenbury? There are 44 A1.
There is NO A1 Commercial look st your last post.
Well Shoes & Clothes would be good. (I don't think either Marilyn's or the Little Dress Shop would be threatened by Tesco) & Gwythers are going anyway.
"...Oh Mr Longbird FAIL. No A1 Commercial in Tenbury. Try again now..."
You sure, want to try again??
"...Tenbury Future's are talking about, shoes, clothes, electrical goods. Not pet food, cards, papers etc..."
As could any other store if they so wished with class A1.
Um, I think you'll find they are all A1 Commercial, but I may be wrong.
"...Oh Mr Longbird FAIL. No A1 Commercial in Tenbury. Try again now..."
I trust @WR15 to be correct in his listing.
However as I know vvvv little about the subject matter I have been having a read around.
The link in my name goes to a page on legislation.gov.uk and should take you to a schedule of classes for commercial properties, it is the original order dating back to 1987, I have also linked below to a more up to date amended order which contains a few newer classes of commercial building.
As said I know little on the subject and would be more than happy to hear where (if anywhere) I am wrong if you can point me in the right direction.
But reading the order (both original and as amended) I fail to see how Tesco, Spar, Bowketts, Pet shop, Co-Op or even the post office can be anything but class A1 to name but a few.
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/changeofuse/
it dosent matter how many people who wants tesco or not. with the right application going in, and if the council accepts it then thats that they are in. It dosent bother tesco's how many times they apply to the council they want that site and thats that and they will keep fighting until they get that site. with the shops closing already in the town we need some more shops to come into this town, if tenbury doesnt change then all i can say is tenbury will be dead and noone will visit so really the choice isnt the public. but yes tesco should come as we do need something different in the town
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