Tesco future looks positive (From Gazette Series)

Tesco future looks positive

THE imminent arrival of a new supermarket giant in Cam is not looking so bleak this week, according to the parish council.

Following a meeting between Tesco and councillors, both parties agree that a bridge has been forged and the town's future is looking brighter.

Tesco will take-over Cam Co-op on October 14, although the store will close for a month while it is refitted.

Cllr Dennis Andrewartha, chairman of the parish council, said the meeting between the two parties had been constructive.

Tesco outlined its plans for the store, which will be finalised following a meeting with customer representatives.

Cllr Andrewartha said: "Although the store is to be extensively refitted, there are no plans for any major expansion to the building at present.

"They are looking at options for providing access to shopping facilities for local people during the closure period."

He added: "The parish council's desire to see an active, vibrant centre for Cam was shared by Tesco, who are keen to see the proposed development on the adjacent Chapel Street site progress."

The meeting comes just weeks after the Gazette exclusively revealed that Tesco would not keep Cam's only post office, currently housed in the Co-op store.

Residents, especially pensioners and people with no transport, were incensed at the news.

People in Dursley also feel let down that the supermarket chain decided to move into Cam instead of committing to a redevelopment programme in the town.

At this recent meeting, however, it was announced that there would be an extra 100 jobs on offer and all current staff would be retained.

Cam's farmers' market will also remain and Stroud Valleys Project will continue managing the adjacent wetland area for the benefit of wildlife and the community.

Of the removal of the Post Office, Cllr Andrewartha said: "Although it was confirmed that it would not be possible to retain the facility within the store, the supermarket giant confirmed it would work with the parish council and others to ensure that a permanent future home was found within the centre of the village.

He added: "Several possible sites have been identified, but the immediate problem is to find a way to maintain the service for the period from the closure of the store on October 15 until a permanent new location can be established.

"Tesco is urgently considering possible options and is working with the parish council, David Drew MP and the Post Office to find the best solution."