Tesco says sorry to town

A new store is being built by the supermarket giant in North Street.

The work has caused disruption to many.

Pavements have been closed, a bus stop re-located and the road narrowed to a single lane.

Traffic lights were also taken out and a temporary zebra crossing installed.

Nick Gellatly, Tesco southern corporate affairs manager, said 'extensive' works were needed to change North Street from a one-way to two-way system.

He said: 'Of course we apologise for any inconvenience which has been caused to local residents and road users while these works are taking place.

'We are working closely with our contractors to ensure that works are completed as quickly as possible and in a way which minimises the potential inconvenience.'

Mr Gellatly said the safety of pedestrians was 'of paramount importance'.

He added: 'We are grateful to those who have raised their concerns.

'We will revisit them as part of the regular inspection of the temporary traffic system.

'We are grateful to local people for their patience and understanding in this matter as we bring these new facilities to the town.'

Dawn Mitchell, from nearby Eastwell Place, has had problems parking since the development began.

She said: 'I think they are possibly trying their best and it is a difficult job.

'We knew it was going to be a nightmare.'

Neighbour Janet Turner suffers health problems and rarely leaves her flat in North Street

She has a panoramic view of the development from her windows.

She said: 'What good is an apology?

'At the end of the day myself and my neighbours do not want Tesco.

'It is disgraceful and it has torn the town apart.

'It has just been a nightmare.'

She said a lorry bringing huge white girders pulled up outside her bedroom window at 6.20am.

She added: 'The project manager got him moved on but we have had lorries parked in the street for up to two hours.

'I have also had the telephone and electricity cut off on a Friday morning without any notification.

'Another day some rumbling started and it got closer and closer.

'They had a mechanical digger coming down the pavement under my window.

'It is scary when the flat shakes.'

Dust has caused problems for some residents and businesses.

Barry Funnell, from Carpet Plus in North Street, said: 'The dust has been the biggest problem.

'It is everywhere.'

The Tesco store is scheduled to be open early in November 2008.