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Tesco store beats critics
A TESCO store looks set to open despite opposition from hundreds of residents.
Objectors have sent 337 letters to the council in protest at the proposals to convert the now closed Windmill Pub on Westcliffe Drive, Layton, into a Tesco Express. Just one letter of support was received.
But councillors are being recommended to approve the conversion, the addition of a cash machine and the installation of air conditioning units, when the planning applications go before Blackpool's Development Control Committee on Monday September 6.
Traders, who have mounted a long-standing campaign against the scheme, have warned the store will kill off small businesses.
Cath Hurley, of Layton Traders Association, said: "Hundreds of individual objections have been sent in, but it looks like they are going to be ignored.
"We are devastated but there is nothing more we can do.
"This is happening all over the country, not just here.
"But we fear this store will kill off the small, local businesses which are the lifeblood of Layton.
"I just hope people are loyal to us and continue to support the local businesses."
A planning report says the changes are considered "acceptable."
Tesco, which says the development will attract more business for all the traders in Layton, originally wanted a purpose-built store on the site but that application was turned down.
An appeal was lodged but withdrawn. It decided to go ahead with the Tesco Express after buying the Windmill which closed in June.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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