Petition against Tesco plans to convert pub
An online petition has been launched against plans to redevelop a pub in Knowle, Bristol, into a Tesco.
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The supermarket chain wants to convert the Friendship pub, on the junction of Axbridge Road and Redcatch Road, into a Tesco Express.
But shopkeepers and residents are concerned that the new branch will ruin local businesses.
The online petition has been submitted by Knowle resident Glenn Vowles, and is in addition to a paper petition started by a local business.
Last week the Bristol Post reported on a family who only recently reopened their news- agents near the pub, after a fatal fire.
The Sayeeds fear the new Tesco will have a harmful effect on their business, and Mr Vowles agrees.
He said: "They [Tesco] seem to have a policy of flooding the market with their outlets. Councillors should support the existing varied shop and pub provision in Knowle which is already providing good service to the community.
"Any Tesco Express may well make the position of some existing shops unsustainable.
"Tesco's Bristol dominance is growing, skewing the local economy. It is monopolising the market, which is increasingly bad for competition and thus prices.
"It is forcing longstanding and loyal local shopkeepers out of business.
"We need a balance of types of shops in Knowle.
"Tesco already has stores nearby and there is also a choice of supermarkets and smaller shops in the area. Another Tesco outlet seems absurd.
"Another issue is what would happen to the area that is currently a pleasant, reasonably large garden with trees and shrubs at the back of the pub.
"Many people will want to retain a local pub and garden. If pub retention is not possible or not wanted, there must be better uses than yet another Tesco."
Increased traffic and noise were also given as reasons to oppose the plans.
Tesco is in the process of buying the Friendship, which is currently still trading but was put on the market some time ago. If planning permission is granted, Tesco hopes to open the store by the end of 2009, creating up to 30 new jobs.
To view the petition go to Bristol City Council.
22 Comments
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by peter martin, knowle
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 9:23PM
“good the local shops have limited stock
no variation
overpriced
the pub was dead anyway”
by mr p, axbridge road
Wednesday, December 24 2008, 10:40AM
“i am in two minds with this situation.
i think tesco would be a better shop, better branded foods and prices. also more stock.
i have lived here 8 years, and have never been bothered by the pub, apart from the alarm that goes off! but that could happen on a house.
i would definately fight against the building being knocked down; a. because of the good looks and age of it, and b. because of what might be put in it's place. most likely rubbish flats for immigrants of heroin addicts, cos lets face it, they wouldn't be luxury penthouses on axbridge road!!!
also it would turn the whole road into a carpark for vans and lorries for at least a year.
i agree it would be sad for the existing shops, but the way i see it, the pub isn't gonna last much longer, as no-one seems to want run it for more than 6 weeks, then it's shut again.
it's also sad that all the local pubs have been closing down, but i think it's not purely from trouble, but mainly from the beer being so expensive, and people drinking at home.
any thoughts??”
by Nick Foster, Easton
Wednesday, December 17 2008, 4:43PM
“New Tescos will mean local shops will close down.
It happens everywhere they open!
http://www.tescopoly.org/
Keep on at it Glen!”
by A Concerned Resident, By the "Friendship"
Wednesday, December 17 2008, 8:33AM
“PS - Mr Vowles, you raise the possibility of me not being from Knowle, mmm not unlike your own epetition.
I actually happen to know most of the people who still use the pub and all the people who used to go on the annual football Charity Shield day out to the OLD Wembley Stadium and in Cardiff organised by Ian Hopkins (football tickets) a roofer and Mark Francis (transport organiser) an ex-soldier who still both live just a couple of streets away - and they stopped doing these years ago. One still works in the same building as your brother Tim. Marlene Short the old landlady always organised the bonfire and was helped by locals Stevie Rawlins, Richard Hicks, Paul Nicholls et al.
And I knew Mr Balbir Birk who ran the convenience store until he regrettably passed away a few years back whilst visiting his homeland. A very nice man who loved his family, especially the twins. We were even invited to try some goat curry with him
And I am still good friends with people who use this pub and Eagle House.
I think this qualifies me as a local........enough said I think !!”
by A Concerned Resident, By the "Friendship"
Wednesday, December 17 2008, 8:04AM
“Typical response from Mr Vowles because he doesn't like what I say.
Where did I rant? You are the one doing the ranting because I have sound cohesive arguments - unlike you !!
Just because he doesn't like the big nasty Tescos !!
This is typical of someone who tries to impose their beliefs on others.
Speaking to 10 neighbours, WHO ALL LIVE IN THE SHADOW of the pub within 1 day of you saying a petition being raised isn't bad as a start. Since then I, and they, have spoken to as many friends as they can in Stockwood Crescent, Andover Road, Friendship Road, Broad Walk and our own Axbridge Road - a clear majority of 85% want this to happen.
YOU HAVE NOT RESPONDED TO MY ARGUMENTS ABOUT 30 JOBS BEING CREATED, BETTER AFFORDABLE SHOPPING OR HOW MUCH SAFER WE WILL FEEL WHEN THIS "FRIENDSHIP" PUB IS GONE.
I've looked at your petition, ONLY 11 out of 32 being Knowle or Filwood !! You state more alcoholism and more traffic, don't make me laugh. On both counts you are completely wrong. Have you seen the traffic on morning and afrternoon rush hour? And proper parking places will be better than where they all park at the moment, cars using the pub nearly knocking over pedestrians. Do you live opposite the pub and have to put up with all the noise and trouble - NO YOU DON'T !!
Do you really still live locally? Twice last week traffic was backed up nearly to Salcombe Road.
And the shops are too expensive for many old folk - who are forced to walk to Broadwalk just because it is cheaper - not better. Tesco bringing affordable quality shopping is a godsend.
And your petition further goes on about the pub garden - some rockery with a few benches rarely used with some open green space that is NEVER USED except for the annual bonfire the previous landlady used to do.
And I elect to stay anonymous because I don't want to be intimidated by bully boy tactics like yours.
Read the majority of responses on here - they side with me !!”