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Locals fight to save pub from Tesco
SAVE our shopping community!
That's the cry from residents and businesses in Layton, who have launched a campaign to halt plans to build a new Tesco on the site of the historic Windmill pub.
Traders say their businesses could be devastated by the supermarket giant's scheme, which will see the beloved pub bulldozed to make way for a 10,000sq ft supermarket.
A public meeting has now been organised as residents attempt to mobilise themselves and discuss ways of fighting the David vs Goliath-style battle.
Treasurer of the Layton Traders Association, Cath Hurley, who runs Ragamuffins on Westcliffe Drive, said: "We're holding a big important meeting at the Layton Institute.
"Residents have been up in arms about this, they don't want to see The Windmill pub go and they don't want a Tesco here.
"It is going to affect the whole community and I would urge as many people as possible, whatever your views, to come along."
Local resident Ken Benson, 71, from Poulton Road, added: "I live facing the pub and it's the hub of the community.
"We don't want to lose that and we don't want to lose the shops as well.
"The pub is a part of Blackpool's history and Layton is a great place to shop.
"A Tesco supermarket would cause all manner of traffic problems and the change the environment of the community."
The supermarket giant, which recorded pre-tax profits of 2.8bn last year, has continued to expand throughout the UK.
It wants to build the supermarket as well as a car park for 50 vehicles.
A planning application is expected imminently and the store could be open in time for Christmas 2010 if it is given the go-ahead.
Local ward councillor, Sue Ridyard, who has opposed the scheme along with her colleague Coun Roy Haskett, said: "I hope people turn up and pack the meeting and it's very important that they register their feelings with the council when the planning application is submitted.
"If it goes ahead it would bring about a terminal
decline in Layton being a thriving shopping centre community."
A 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.
Residents had campaigned in support of the low-budget supermarket which is due to open next spring.
Tesco was unavailable for comment.
The public meeting will be held at the Layton Institute on Tuesday at 7pm.
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
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Temperature: 4 C to 7 C
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