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Blackpool pub to make way for Tesco
SUPERMARKET giant Tesco today unveiled plans for a new multi-million pound store in Blackpool which would create 100 jobs.
Tesco wants to demolish the Windmill Pub on Westcliffe Drive in Layton and build a supermarket with parking for up to 50 cars.
A planning application is expected to be submitted next month and the store could be open in time for Christmas 2010 if it is given the go-ahead.
Deborah Hayeems, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, which already has a superstore on Clifton Road, Marton, said: "We're very proud to be able to bring around 100 new jobs to the local area. These are full and part-time positions with flexible hours and good career prospects. This is a real investment in Layton."
Mitchells and Butlers, which owns The Windmill, confirmed it had agreed to sell the site subject to planning permission.
A spokesman said: "The Windmill has been identified for sale for a number of years and we have now agreed a deal with a developer for its sale, subject to planning permission. In the meantime the pub will continue to trade as normal."
Residents are being invited to view the plans at an exhibition between 2pm and 8pm on Monday at Salem Methodist Church on Westcliffe Drive.
But there are fears about what impact the proposed 10,000sq ft store could have on existing traders in Layton.
Treasurer of the Layton Traders Association Cath Hurley, who runs Ragamuffins on Westcliffe Drive, said: "I think traders will have concerns about what impact this will have on them because it is bound to draw some business away from the existing shops.
"We have just got Layton established as a nice community shopping area and I wouldn't like to see that change. Also, the Windmill is the only family pub we have here so it would be a shame to lose that."
Layton ward councillor Roy Haskett said he welcomed the public consultation and urged people to put forward their views.
He added: "There are positives and negatives to any scheme. The positives are the creation of new jobs but it's bound to effect local trade."
A new Lidl supermarket is already planned for Layton after the council approved a scheme for the Harry Feeney site on Devonshire Road at the third time of asking. It is due to open next spring.
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
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Temperature: 12 C to 16 C
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