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Worries over what Tesco has in store

9:05am Wednesday 31st October 2007

comment Comments (36)   Have your say »


SHOP owners and residents fear a supermarket giant may be planning to move into the neighbourhood.

Tesco has bought a site in Homesdale Road, Bromley, currently occupied by DIY retailer Focus.

Focus has confirmed the store, one of its 41 outlets sold nationally for £68m, has been bought by the largest supermarket chain in the country.

The DIY retailer has confirmed its store will close but could not say when this will happen.

According to the owner of the nearby Hollywood Cafe on Homesdale Road, rumours are widespread about Tesco moving into the area.

Ebru Diler, 29, said: "I know about it because the staff from Focus come for lunch here.

"The staff are quite upset because they only just got to hear about it.

"I first heard about it about six months ago but I didn't believe it until the Focus lot told me about it.

"It came as a shock because I hadn't thought of a Tesco around here."

She added: "It will be chaos because of the congestion and because there are already so many roadworks and so much traffic going to the nearby Waldo Road tip.

"It will affect residential people much more than us but my customers complain already because there are no parking spaces."

Small shop owners in Homesdale Road fear business will suffer if a supermarket opens in the residential area they currently serve.

Keystore Convenience Express owner Alfred Selvarajah, 45, said: "I have just extended this shop and Tesco is going to kill the business.

"We don't need a supermarket here, because there are others nearby and this is a residential area."

Mr Selvaraja, who has been running the shop for nine years, added: "I spoke to the council about it and they said there are no planning applications.

"But if Tesco uses the same building, they don't need planning permission because it is already a retail outlet."

Carmel Carmichael, a resident of nearby Page Heath Lane, said: "Focus trucks come up this road once a week but a Tesco might have delivery trucks coming once or twice a day.

"It is dangerous. People use the end of this road to cross the road to go to the school and the park."

The 35-year-old added: "It will be good in a way because it will be convenient, but bad because of the lorries bringing fresh produce."

A Bromley Council spokesman said: "We have heard the rumours about the new Tesco.

"Tesco hasn't approached the council formally about planning permission for this site.

"But Tesco wouldn't require change of use permission because the site is already used for retail.

"Planning permission for signs and any alterations would be open to consultation in the usual way."

A Tesco spokesman said: "We are unable to comment on rumours about whether or not we are opening a new store.

"We are always looking at sites for stores and we have a policy of consulting the public first before we make any planning application.

"We will be consulting the public before we go ahead and open any stores in Bromley."

  • What do you think about the possibility of a Tesco store in Bromley? And what do you think about the Competition Commission's call for more supermarkets to be built?

Your Say YourNews Shopper

Me, Here says...
10:44am Wed 31 Oct 07

i have just recently bought a house in the area and i have mixed feelings....in some ways it will be convenient but i am worried about the traffic problems it will create. Particularly on saturday mornings which is already a problem for the road adjacent to the Focus store...at least the alkeys in the Lord Holmesdale will have somewhere to soak up the beer....

Joe, Bromley says...
11:15am Wed 31 Oct 07

The traffic is bad enough in the area due to Waldo Road dump, particularly on Saturdays. Imagine what it would be like with a Tesco there?

Bromley needs another supermarket, as Sainsburys in town is tired inside, and always out of stock, and Waitrose, is lovely, but expensive.

But this location is wrong, due to the bottle neck caused by the railway line there, forcing all trafic in the immediate area under the one railway bridge.

Pat, Tylney Road says...
12:05pm Wed 31 Oct 07

I agree with the other comments that a supermarket on the Focus site would cause traffic chaos in an already congested area. There are regular tail-backs both ways on Homesdale Road because of people queueing for the Waldo Road facility, stopping buses & other vital traffic getting through and lorries already flout the weight restrictions on Tylney Road & others in the surrounding area. Surely there must be a more accessible site for a supermarket?

Me, Here says...
12:23pm Wed 31 Oct 07

Another point..... wouldnt it be irresonsible and dangerous of Tesco's to be storing/selling fresh food on a site which is literally within a stones throw distance of a huge gas works?? Surely that must break some kind of law?

Joe, Bromley says...
12:32pm Wed 31 Oct 07

Me wrote:
Another point..... wouldnt it be irresonsible and dangerous of Tesco\\\'s to be storing/selling fresh food on a site which is literally within a stones throw distance of a huge gas works?? Surely that must break some kind of law?
Don't see the gas being a problem, as the gas works should be harmless. The smell of the gas, anyway, is not the gas itself, but an additive to make you aware if there is a leak. If there were problems with contamination, they wouldnt be alowed next to houses etc. Also SavaCentre in Bell Green is right next to a gas works.

The 'Original' Big Mo, Westerham,Kent says...
1:06pm Wed 31 Oct 07

It's a great shame that the DIY store is closing down, its been a DIY type store there for as long as i can remember, its a very good location which i'm sure will be missed by the locals. I agree that Sainsbury's at Bromley North is tired and pretty uselss and Waitrose is at the opposite end of Bromley, but this is a very strange location for a supermarket, access being terrible, i really feel sorry for the locals if this does go ahead.

Andy, Orpington says...
1:12pm Wed 31 Oct 07

Lol, not just Orpington thats going to be a traffic nightmare then :P

mt, says...
2:48pm Wed 31 Oct 07

Joe wrote:
Me wrote: Another point..... wouldnt it be irresonsible and dangerous of Tesco\\\'s to be storing/selling fresh food on a site which is literally within a stones throw distance of a huge gas works?? Surely that must break some kind of law?
Don't see the gas being a problem, as the gas works should be harmless. The smell of the gas, anyway, is not the gas itself, but an additive to make you aware if there is a leak. If there were problems with contamination, they wouldnt be alowed next to houses etc. Also SavaCentre in Bell Green is right next to a gas works.
thought that shut ages ago ?

me me me, says...
4:33pm Wed 31 Oct 07

a supermarket? great!!
tesco? even better!!
should have happend a long time ago as far as i am concerned.

as for the gas works i reckon tesco will buy that land aswell!

Michael, says...
5:29pm Wed 31 Oct 07

Access to the Focus site is terrible as is the traffic congestion in Homesdale Rd but it is a racing certainty that Tescos will set up there as they have no presence in Bromley at the moment. Does anyone know if the gas works site is derelict and for sale?

me me me, says...
7:26pm Wed 31 Oct 07

as i far as i no it sold a while back

Denis, Bromley says...
9:07pm Wed 31 Oct 07

Would love to see Tesco store in Bromley. We do our shopping in Tesco stores only and at the moment have to go to Elmers End or Sidcup which are about five miles away.

damion, get the hell says...
9:08pm Wed 31 Oct 07

if this is all your got to worrie about in bromley you want to think yourselfs lucky no stabbings shootings etc

m m m, says...
9:37pm Wed 31 Oct 07

i couldnt agree more. we want tesco!!!!

Dave, Bromley says...
11:37pm Wed 31 Oct 07

If a new Tesco doesn't ahead, then hopefully the story will prove to be a kick up the backside for the highly unimpressive Sainsbury's in central Bromley.

cassie, bromley says...
12:00am Thu 1 Nov 07

The Tortoise Trust is calling for a boycott of Tesco stores because Tesco stores in China are selling LIVE turtles, tortoises, frogs and fish - Tesco kill them instore or customers can kill them at home.

The Tortoise Trust says Tesco is "actively involved in inflicting some of the most extreme forms of animal cruelty imaginable.

The level of suffering caused to turtles and frogs in Chinese markets is well documented....

They are maintained in-store under totally unacceptable conditions, and are killed in a grossly inhumane and barbaric fashion.

These animals are essentially dissected alive.

They have highly developed sensory capabilities, and without question suffer the most extreme pain and distress over an extended period..."


Tesco seems to believe that compassion is a regional concept - please let Tesco know it isn't....full details can be found at www.tortoisetrust.or
g

anon, petts wood says...
7:30am Thu 1 Nov 07

Oh god, not another save the planet fanatic. bloody do-gooders. f**k off elsewhere if you don't like it (the moon preferably)

Me, Here says...
10:04am Thu 1 Nov 07

Here here Cassie! My personal favourite was Michelangelo, i know i know - he was a little bit slow at times but he just luuuuuved pizza and thats alright in my book. Whats your favourite pizza Cassie?

bob marley, :) says...
11:43am Thu 1 Nov 07

cassie wrote:
The Tortoise Trust is calling for a boycott of Tesco stores because Tesco stores in China are selling LIVE turtles, tortoises, frogs and fish - Tesco kill them instore or customers can kill them at home. The Tortoise Trust says Tesco is "actively involved in inflicting some of the most extreme forms of animal cruelty imaginable. The level of suffering caused to turtles and frogs in Chinese markets is well documented.... They are maintained in-store under totally unacceptable conditions, and are killed in a grossly inhumane and barbaric fashion. These animals are essentially dissected alive. They have highly developed sensory capabilities, and without question suffer the most extreme pain and distress over an extended period..." Tesco seems to believe that compassion is a regional concept - please let Tesco know it isn't....full details can be found at www.tortoisetrust.or g
Oh well sh*t happens

David, bromley says...
4:31pm Fri 2 Nov 07

What a great idea!!! Tesco is a terrific supermarket and a 24 hours policy would be ideal for us workers in the area. They have my vote. Competition for cheaper prices and quality food is always welcome.

cassie, bromley says...
9:13pm Fri 2 Nov 07

anon wrote:
Oh god, not another save the planet fanatic. bloody do-gooders. f**k off elsewhere if you don't like it (the moon preferably)
Oh god, not another kill the planet fanatic, bloody killers. f**k off elsewhere if you don't like it (the moon preferably...oh no you can't can you because this planet is the only one we can live on, given which those who don't want to 'save'it are obviously dangerously stupid).

:)

cassie, bromley says...
9:17pm Fri 2 Nov 07

Me wrote:
Here here Cassie! My personal favourite was Michelangelo, i know i know - he was a little bit slow at times but he just luuuuuved pizza and thats alright in my book. Whats your favourite pizza Cassie?
Well it certainly isn't one from tortoise-killers Tesco!


cassie, bromley says...
9:22pm Fri 2 Nov 07

David wrote:
What a great idea!!! Tesco is a terrific supermarket and a 24 hours policy would be ideal for us workers in the area. They have my vote. Competition for cheaper prices and quality food is always welcome.
You seem to have missed the fact that Tesco has shown it is happy to engage in extreme cruelty in order to make even more financial profit.

Shame on Tesco.

cassie, bromley says...
9:23pm Fri 2 Nov 07

David wrote:
What a great idea!!! Tesco is a terrific supermarket and a 24 hours policy would be ideal for us workers in the area. They have my vote. Competition for cheaper prices and quality food is always welcome.
You seem to have missed the fact that Tesco has shown it is happy to engage in extreme cruelty in order to make even more financial profit.

Shame on Tesco.

cassie, bromley says...
9:30pm Fri 2 Nov 07

Well 'bob marley' I cannot help but think you'd have a different opinion if the 'sh*t' that Tesco is inflict on turtles, tortoises etc in order to make even greater financial profit was being inflicted on you...hey, you'd probably want someone to..oh at the least do something really easy and boycott them.

Dan, Orpington says...
5:16pm Sat 3 Nov 07

Andy wrote:
Lol, not just Orpington thats going to be a traffic nightmare then :P
No. I wonder what the Tory Chair of Planning will do now. This is his patch isn't it?

t, local says...
10:50am Thu 8 Nov 07

Tesco, a crap shop selling crap food at crap prices for crap people with crap intellect.

Can see them doing really well in Bromley.

i have one yes, not bromley thank god says...
6:04am Sat 10 Nov 07

well id like to do a little survey of those entering the new store if it ever opens, cos i bet most of the people living right on top of it will use it !
thats the problem with people, they talk a good fight but never actually get of their backsides and do anything about it !
if recent newspaper reports are to be believed the chances are tesco have just bought this site to stop anyone else getting it! lets be honest, the traffic in this area is bad enough with the rubbish tip, only a complete moron with the brains of a lobotomised ape would allow a super store to open there...but then this is bromley council planning, always open to a good bribe and tesco pay handsomly ! what was it for the store in orpington.....20 million ?

Peter, S E London says...
11:30am Sat 10 Nov 07

I think a Tesco store in Bromley will be fantastic. With ever growing populations we cannot have enough good supermarkets. Tesco are great value for money and open when we need them. Good luck to Tesco's.

cassie, bromley says...
2:36am Sun 11 Nov 07

Tesco, to its utter shame, is choosing to engage in a cruel and barbaric trade that is not only an animal welfare nightmare, it is also an ecological disaster.

Tesco is putting greed for even greater profits over compassion and principle.

Care for the Wild and other groups are also campaigning against Tesco, see the Turtle Trust site for details and petition link
www.tortoisetrust.or
g

Boycott Tesco - tell them compassion is not a regional concept.

O, Homesdale Road says...
12:33pm Thu 6 Dec 07

I think this is great! As a resident on the Homesdale Road anyway this has got to be better than the Focus that has overcharged everyone for years anyway! Traffic has and will always be a nightmare - whether or not Tesco's comes to town /or not! - people use the route as a general maine route through Bromley, Sidcup, Eltham, etc.... the traffic wont be any better if they built flats /or house's there. Also - the 2 coner stores on Homesdale have a genuine right to worry as they are so expensive and cant compete - but isnt this our right to be able to buy the most competitive produce going!!!! GREAT IDEA TESCO's

ME, Homesdale Road says...
12:37pm Thu 6 Dec 07

mt wrote:
Joe wrote:
Me wrote: Another point..... wouldnt it be irresonsible and dangerous of Tesco\\\\\\\'s to be storing/selling fresh food on a site which is literally within a stones throw distance of a huge gas works?? Surely that must break some kind of law?
Don\'t see the gas being a problem, as the gas works should be harmless. The smell of the gas, anyway, is not the gas itself, but an additive to make you aware if there is a leak. If there were problems with contamination, they wouldnt be alowed next to houses etc. Also SavaCentre in Bell Green is right next to a gas works.
thought that shut ages ago ?
Right ON!!!

cassie, bromley says...
12:00am Sat 8 Dec 07

it really is no wonder there is so much violence in our society when when 'anything goes' in the nsme of getting money, when people support those who engage in extreme cruelty against the innocent and defenceless - such as that perpetrated by Tesco...for even greater profitS - in China.

this is the cruelty, the violence, that people who buy from Tesco are supporting - I ask people to consider whether such is really compatible with their ethics -
(from the Tortoise Trust site*) "The actual method generally employed in Chinese markets is as follows:

'First we try to get it to stick its head out, and then when it does, we chop it off right there and then. But if we can't, we'll break the shell and then take his head off...' I have personally witnessed this kind of slaughter. It is extremely unpleasant. The animal withdraws its head, and it is very rare that rapid decapitation is achieved: even if it is, the severed head can retain awareness for a very extended period (some reports cite an hour or more)*. This is due to the aquatic turtle's exceptional tolerance of anoxia (lack of oxygen in the blood). I have seen buckets of heads still gaping, with their eyes blinking and moving. In most cases, the still-living turtle is simply chopped up fully conscious. Softshell turtles are killed by "de-carapacing" with a sharp knife. This is an agonising procedure in which the living internal organs are exposed and removed. The turtle remains fully conscious throughout and dies - many minutes later - as a result of blood loss as internal organs are removed one by one. Turtles turn their heads to bite at the hands inflicting such agony upon them. The whole process is highly distressing to witness. Graphic videos of these processes exist. Few are able to watch them without feeling very sick indeed."

SHAME ON TESCO

www.tortoisetrust.or
g

colin j, says...
6:02pm Sun 30 Dec 07

tesco,just a greedy ,uncaring bunch,as long as they make even more money ,they do not care what it costs to the local people and our enviroment. alright for the selfish pigs who only think about the easiest way to fill their own bellies,how would they like a store next to the home,not being able to park or access their home maybe that would have them thinking?the people who are for this store should get theire arses moving to a store thats already built,the poor buggers of orpington aresuffering themselves in 2008 when tesco finish that store.stop the rot folks,stop tesco from taking over retail stores for thier own sake.

Brian Wright, says...
9:23am Thu 31 Jan 08

Great news, Tesco is much needed - to break the JS local monopoly.

Martin, Bromley says...
12:56am Sat 2 Aug 08

I think the Tesco as well as other shops should be open 24 hours. Tesco closing at 8pm is ridiculously early

If shops were open 24 hours it would it would help make Bromley a safer place as there would be more police, it would create more jobs for shops and police and If you wake up at 3 in the morning and fell like having a snack they would be there for you to shop at.

I have been in the new Tesco and it is great, you can get food, drinks, electrical items, DVDs, music etc. and their self checkouts are bigger and make it easier to use reusable bags than other places such as marks and Spencer and Salisbury's.

The traffic in the road is only for the dump tesco have a car park so it is not going to cause traffic jams.

The Tortoise Trust is calling for a boycott of Tesco stores because Tesco stores in China are selling LIVE turtles, tortoises, frogs and fish - Tesco kill them in store or customers can kill them at home.


It would be wrong and racist to boycott a shop just because one of it's shops in another country is doing something you dislike but part of that country's culture. It is probably normal in china to buy live turtles, tortoises, frogs and fish where they kill it on the premises. In china they probably boycott Tesco because they sell fish fingers here. In England all supermarkets sell Fish fingers and we think it is normal, in China supermarkets sell live animals and think it is normal too.

Tesco is putting greed for even greater profits over compassion and principle.



That is not true, if it wasn't for Tesco people would have to travel miles by car. Tesco rent or buy expensive properties which the money pays towards local towns the tax they pay also helps the UK economy and gives people jobs. They also help schools with equipment.


Care for the Wild and other groups are also campaigning against Tesco


if that is true they have not thought much about campaigns then because if they campaign for Tesco not to open in local areas the local people would have to get in their cars to the other Tesco miles away causing more pollution and giving a good reason to expand roads to cope with the additional traffic for the supermarket. Having a Tesco in Bromley can save some families hundreds of pounds on car and fuel bills because it is a shorter distance to drive or it is walkable.

this is the cruelty, the violence, that people who buy from Tesco are supporting - I ask people to consider whether such is really compatible with their ethics


this is the racist, the hypocritical non stop mentioning of the tortoise trust, that people from the tortoise trust are supporting - I ask people to wonder weather this poster has a keyboard with a preset tortoise trust website address key

SHAME ON The Tortoise Trust

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