Plans for store meet opposition
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition against proposals to build a convenience store.
A planning application has been lodged to build a One Stop store in Aylestone Lane, Wigston.
Residents in the area believe the shop, which is part of a chain belonging to Tesco, would generate extra traffic and anti-social behaviour due to its alcohol licence.
Some traders nearby are worried business will suffer if the planning application is approved.
Raj Aggarwal, who owns the Londis general store in nearby Queens Drive, organised the petition campaign and has more than 1,000 signatures.
He said: "Something like this shop will make traffic worse.
"We are not really worried about our trade – though of course, that is a small part of it – but we are more concerned about the residents and how the extra noise will affect them.
"Many moons ago the site used to be a petrol forecourt, and then it became a drive-in dry cleaners. It then had a change of use last year and now this.
"The area is already congested, you only have to be round there when the schools go back to see it is horrendous."
Pam England, 74, of Brailsford Road, also plans to hand round a petition.
Mrs England argues there are already lots of supermarkets in the area and said the alcohol licensing hours would create a disturbance.
She said: "We have lots of supermarkets in walking distance and we don't need another one.
"There is a lot of traffic there already but if the store goes ahead they will have delivery lorries coming and going. I'm putting out a petition.
"There are people who live in sheltered housing who want it to happen and I can understand that, but I would rather go around myself with their shopping than let this happen."
No-one from Tesco was available for comment.
The planning application will be out for local consultation until Wednesday, September 9, and then the decision will go to a planning committee.
So far no objections have been received by Oadby and Wigston Borough Council but residents plan to hand in letters and petitions in the next week.
2 Comments
by John Stitch, Leicester Town
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 12:58PM
“So this Londis doesn't sell alcohol then ?
As endless reports in the Mercury on this subject have indicated - it's often the smaller supermarkets, not the ones affiliated to larger supermarkets, that are in the habit of selling alcohol to children, as the latter ones have more stringent nationally-moderated guidelines in place.”
by Sam, Wigston
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 9:16AM
“I bet all those protesting have cars and can drive to the supermarkets in Wigston Magna and South Wigston. Those of us without a car have to make do with the unreliable and expensive bus service into Wigston Magna or South Wigston. There are not lots of supermarkets within walking distance and obviously I don't know where Pam lives but I'd like to see her carry all her shopping to my house from the town centres!
I'm in favour of it!”