Store giant increases pressure for coastal town outlet

Sep 27 2008 by Jon Tunney, The Journal

A SUPERMARKET giant has stepped up its bid to open a store in a Northumberland seaside town as it prepares to submit a series of plans.

Tesco is on the brink of entering four planning applications to Alnwick District Council for the Co-op store on Queen Street in Amble town centre.

The chain bought the shop from the Co-op in April this year since when it has been closed.

The branch had been put up for sale as Amble was one of the towns and villages in which the Co-op had more than one store, as a result of which the company was investigated last year by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

The OFT subsequently ordered the Co-op to sell one of its stores in each of those locations and at Amble it opted to retain its other branch, also on Queen Street.

John Hedley, chairman of Amble Town Council and district councillor, last night said: “There is still a monopoly in Amble of limited choice.

“We have been trying to get a supermarket or alternative competition for many a year.

“I would welcome it. I have got a car but I do at least 90% of my shopping in Amble.

“Eighty percent of people who have cars go outside Amble, they are willing to go to Alnwick.

“We always welcome competition, not just for the choice but for the prices.”

The four applications from Tesco are for work to the shop interior and front, including moving the entrance, new signs and removing the roller shutter, and include listing building and advertisement consent.

Tesco could not be contacted for comment last night.

People in Amble are currently awaiting the outcome of a bid by the Duke of Northumberland’s Estates to build a supermarket on land next to The Braid.

The district council is due to determine that in the near future.