Residents keep the pressure on Tesco to fold plans for shop

JPCT 080213 The site of the Silver Wok, Brighton Road, Horsham. Photo by Derek Martin

Forest Neighbourhood Council met with Simon Petar, Tesco corporate affairs manager, last month raising residents’ concerns including increased traffic in St Leonards Road, the creation of a rat run through the car park and the effect the store would have on other shops in the area.

As a result, Tesco have said they will be willing to attend a public meeting once planning applications have been submitted to Horsham District Council.

Mike Dancy, of St Leonards Road, has started a campaign called No Thanks Tesco against the plans and Hament Patel, owner of Elm Grove Stores, has been collecting signatures for a petition to the district council.

Mr Dancy is appealing for people to write to Tesco chief executive Philip Clark at Tesco Stores Ltd, New Tesco House, Delamare Road, Cheshunt, Herts, EN8 9SL.

The No Thanks Tesco campaign also has a Facebook page and email account where people can also submit their comments. Email [email protected] or go to facebook.com/SilverWok2BTesco

Speaking to the County Times this week Mr Petar said: “There’s growing support for this convenience Express store application. We will create 20 jobs for local people and bring back into to use a building that would otherwise remain derelict.

“We look forward to continuing to discuss our plans with the community in the weeks ahead.”

He said a public meeting is being planned, but a date has not yet been set.