supermarket

[griff]

not happy with a new tescos in easton ........prefer a big (more ethical) co-op in victoria square. what do y'all think??

[Scott Irvine]

Tescos will bring traffic chaos to Easton.

[Amanda Wilding]

Another Co-op or do you mean extend the existing one?
Er no either way!!
Why is it that Co-op has got away with dominating our island for so long?!?!

Is it the fact that it is Tesco that's coming to the island?
Would it be any different if it was Sainsburys, Asda or Waitrose????
If it's the location, then lots of people are going to complain where ever it goes!!

Some people choose to shop with their nearest retailer, some prefer to travel to their preferred supermarket, some people will use what few local shops we have left.
Yes there will probably be an impact on Co-op, but those who think that they are more 'ethical' will still shop there.

Freedom of choice and all that.


Lets face it, it'll either become a supermarket or housing.
I know what I'd choose!!

[griff]

Amanda Wilding said:

Another Co-op or do you mean extend the existing one?
Er no either way!!
Why is it that Co-op has got away with dominating our island for so long?!?!

Is it the fact that it is Tesco that's coming to the island?
Would it be any different if it was Sainsburys, Asda or Waitrose????
If it's the location, then lots of people are going to complain where ever it goes!!

Some people choose to shop with their nearest retailer, some prefer to travel to their preferred supermarket, some people will use what few local shops we have left.
Yes there will probably be an impact on Co-op, but those who think that they are more 'ethical' will still shop there.

Freedom of choice and all that.


Lets face it, it'll either become a supermarket or housing.
I know what I'd choose!!

[griff]

yeah but tescos taking over the world.. i dont want anything to be built in easton..it should be down under.........
and also co-op have bob dylans blowing in the wind on their ads so they the coolest man

perhaps



griff said:

Amanda Wilding said:

Another Co-op or do you mean extend the existing one?
Er no either way!!
Why is it that Co-op has got away with dominating our island for so long?!?!

Is it the fact that it is Tesco that's coming to the island?
Would it be any different if it was Sainsburys, Asda or Waitrose????
If it's the location, then lots of people are going to complain where ever it goes!!

Some people choose to shop with their nearest retailer, some prefer to travel to their preferred supermarket, some people will use what few local shops we have left.
Yes there will probably be an impact on Co-op, but those who think that they are more 'ethical' will still shop there.

Freedom of choice and all that.


Lets face it, it'll either become a supermarket or housing.
I know what I'd choose!!

[Amanda Wilding]

So if nothing is to be built in Easton - what do you propose should be done with the site?
There is too much that is just left to rack and ruin on the island.

If Tesco goes ahead, potentially less people will have to leave the island to shop, maybe other shops and businesses will show interest in our area and utilise the empty premises that we have so many of.

[griff]

ok...........maybe it'll work out. If Easton Park becomes one big traffic island and the volume of traffic through Fortuneswell drastically increases it will be too late but that's progress.

As for what would I do with the site? Level it and restore it to it's natural state so at least one small part of our beloved rock would have some wildlife value....I know that's silly (but I am a utopianist) so very un realistic!!



Amanda Wilding said:

So if nothing is to be built in Easton - what do you propose should be done with the site?
There is too much that is just left to rack and ruin on the island.

If Tesco goes ahead, potentially less people will have to leave the island to shop, maybe other shops and businesses will show interest in our area and utilise the empty premises that we have so many of.

[Hayley]

Bring on Tesco's!!! There won't be a massive surge of traffic all at once. Think of all those people who drive through Portland now to get to Weymouth to go shopping. If anything it will reduce traffic moving around the island and those that live locally to Easton will be able to walk to do their shopping instead of getting in their car, those that work 9 - 5 will shop of an evening or weekend, those who are retired or don't work can shop in the daytime. It's time to coin the old phrase of "suck it and see". If it means giving the Co-op a run for money with better prices then so be it. If it means bringing more jobs to the area then great! If it landscapes a part of the island that is an eye sore, fantastic! Why should we force a new supermarket to be located at the Sailing Academy? That place has had too much investment and glory already and us lot behind it get forgotten!!! I've lived on Portland all my life and seen so many changes over the years and at present people should be focusing their efforts on stopping quarrying at Portland Bill which will ruin a gorgeous part of the island, rather than worrying about a supermarket (which will benefit everyones pocket) being built on an eyesore!

[Scott Irvine]

Tesco ( not Tescos) does a large and cheap range of good quality products but it comes at a price. I worked for Tesco for 2 years to learn that its sole aim is maximum profits for its shareholders and not the benifit of the local area. Not many local shops; the traditional baker, butcher, newsagent, bookshop, off-license and electric hardwear shops will be able to compete, loose business and die! It happened in Poole leaving empty shops and charity shops in its wake!
The same goes for all the big supermarkets.

[griff]

looks like it's too late now scott, the council have voted in favour of it..........be interesting to come back to this discussion in two years time and see how things pan out...( I shall still be on the rock- as i have been since 1962). Still. save on diesel doing the weekly run to asda morrsons and lidl ; -}




Scott Irvine said:

Tescos will bring traffic chaos to Easton.

[Phil Luke]

Good to see a common sense Descision...

Easton is no stranger to traffic chaos, trying to park with a car is always a challenge. A lot of people will be able to walk to the new shop and a lot of people will have no need to go to the mainland,that alone will vastly reduce traffic. It's also investment and growth in Easton so it won't fall into decline like fortuneswell has. The Co-op will have to pull its socks up, that's not a bad thing, (when ever have monopolies worked in favour of the consumers??)

It will bring people to Easton, passing trade for the local businesses & new interest in the social side of Easton.

Maybe we will get the odd delivery lorry to restock the shelves but that will off set the loss of massive stone lorries, perhaps not as romantic as the Traction engines of olden Easton days chewing up the road completely.

We've lost a few shops in recent times especially in the frozen food line.

Up till now I've always taken a car to Easton it's a good strategy because if you can't get what you need here you need a car to go further afield. If there's a better chance of getting what I need locally.. I for one am more likely to walk to Easton to get it. There will also be less tesco delivery vans shuffling around the Island.

It will be better for the older community in Easton to have more choice nearer to them. My mum for one is looking forward to the new shop arriving at the end of her road..


griff said:

looks like it's too late now scott, the council have voted in favour of it..........be interesting to come back to this discussion in two years time and see how things pan out...( I shall still be on the rock- as i have been since 1962). Still. save on diesel doing the weekly run to asda morrsons and lidl ; -}




Scott Irvine said:

Tescos will bring traffic chaos to Easton.

[Caroline Greening]

I cant afford to shop in the co op. I have to drive to asda and hate the fact that it adds to upsetting the environment.
What i am looking forward to is being able to have fresh fruit and veg more than once a week, I can walk there - aiding exersise, and not have to worry about food going out of date so quickly. This isnt a reflection on Asda but rather that as i can go to the shop more often than just doing the one weekly shop I can buy less instead of the false economy of bulk buying therefore shopping within my means.
Its about time the co op was given their marching orders for having a monopoly on our Island, and I welcome the fact that our smaller shops will enjoy renewed interest from locals and visitors alike when the new store opens.
yaay for Tesco's!

[Peter Minter]

I heartedly agree with you Caroline.I believe that although we need another food retailer on the island,a more sensible & less sensitive site should have been chosen.Prior to recent planning applications,Osprey Quay or the old Naval Air Station would have been a better option for a site.Obviously now its too late, as other developers have won planning applications etc..All towns normally have a choice,that includes Weymouth who have a number of food retail outlets.Last year, many Islanders endured hardship due to lack of open food stores.First we had Weston Co-op close for refit,then worse; Fortuneswell closed for similar,lets remember underhill has just one shop.Whats the problem,outsiders asked?
Well,apart from people denied essential everyday supplies, no facility to charge up Gas/Electric meter keys,there was also no cash machine in Underhill.This really did cause many severe hardship,why should I need to walk from Underhill-Easton or Weymouth to get my gas,electric or Bus fare too work for the following day,not everyone has the privalage of transport!
Without doubt the Co-op has served Islanders well,there's no dispute with that.However,we need a choice now as they should not be our sole provider of warmth,lighting & currency.....Yes there are shops,banks up Tophill but thats not helpful to the sick & elderly down Underhill,Give us a choice please!