Tesco talks ‘were not good enough’
Wednesday 20th June 2012
The proposals, which were given the go ahead last month, will see a new store built on the former Pennine Pets site.
But people opposed to the development complained about the council’s lack of public consultation at the Little Lever area forum
.
Villagers said they felt the plans had been “a done deal from the start”.
Tesco held a public consultation meeting last July, yet residents claimed it did not sufficiently address the issue of road access to the new site.
The proposed road alterations include making Lever Street one-way, widening Ainsworth Road and adding a puffin crossing replacing Church Street’s zebra crossing.
On resident, Paul Richardson, said: “I think a public meeting regarding traffic is still very much needed.
“What we got was a Tesco-organised public relations meeting and we feel the process of democracy has been breached.”
People at the area forum claimed Bolton Council’s highways department should have held a meeting with residents to discuss the supermarket’s impact on traffic congestion and access roads in the village.
Alwynne Cartmell, another Little Lever resident, said: “It’s like offering someone an operation without going to the doctors.”
Mr Richardson added: “I was accused of being anti-Tesco. I'm not.
“I just don't want the dominant store in the centre closed and empty and the footfall sucked out of the village centre.”
Cllr Maureen Connell, chairman of the forum, and Cllr Anthony Connell, argued residents had the opportunity to voice their opinions at the public consultation last May.
Tesco spokesman, Matthew Magee, said: “This is statutory consultation done by the council.
“We go over and above what is required by planning law and we are proud of the consultation we have carried out which showed strong support for the new store.
“We held a specific consultation event on traffic and we work hard to ensure traffic is kept flowing around the area.
“The plan was unanimously approved by Bolton Council.”
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