Trafford Mega Tesco It's Just Not Cricket

Residents and business people from Gorse Hill, Old Trafford and Chorlton have formed a group called No Mega Tesco to oppose development plans for a 166,847 square foot Tesco megastore in Stretford.

Richard Fowler, a resident of Gorse Hill and member of the No Mega Tesco group explains “It is our understanding that Trafford Council intends to sell land to Tesco Ltd for £21 million.”

The campaign object to Trafford Council's intention to donate the proceeds of this sale to Lancashire County Cricket Club in order to enable the redevelopment work, on the basis that the scheme will regenerate the local area.

Sanjai Patel, also a resident of Gorse Hill, says the group have serious doubts about the benefits the development will bring, saying:

“The regeneration benefits for the local community are far from proven – the main beneficiary seems to be Lancashire County Cricket Club in the form of improved member facilities at the ground. The Club argues that the redevelopment is necessary in order to retain international level cricket at Old Trafford. Our concern is that council tax payers in Trafford are effectively subsidising this private organisation to the tune of £100 for each and every resident of the Borough.”

As well as the financial aspect, the No Mega Tesco group are also concerned about the effects of such a huge megastore on local businesses and on the welfare of the local community. Debbie Clarke, who works at a grocery store in Chorlton, says:

“Tesco makes great play of the jobs that will be created at the store. What it doesn’t
say is that this could well be outweighed by the loss of jobs at local stores.”

With over 700 planned parking spaces and a catchment area of a 10 minute drive, the megastore will mean even heavier traffic and more pollution for an area that already serves many of Manchester’s commuters and one of the largest football stadiums in the country.

With very little time left before the application is considered by the planning committee, concerned residents of Trafford are urged to express their views to the Council, their local councillors and MP in writing by the 21st January.

For further information or to support the campaign group contact Richard Fowler on 07840 149651 or by email to nomegatesco[at]gmail.com.

Sample objection letters and more information about the application by Lancashire County Cricket Club can be found on the No Mega Tesco website linked below.