CEN article: Tesco’s in letter blunder
TESCO’S announced this week that a controversial new store would be opening in Cambridge’s Mill Road next month but the city council has yet to approve or reject the scheme.
A letter sent from the retail giant to a campaigner also claimed it was unaware of a 5,000-signature petition against the store.
The letter was sent by a customer services executive on behalf of Tesco’s chief executive, Sir Terry Leahy.
No opening date for the store has been set. The firm has permission to revamp the former Wilco site but is still applying for permission to extend it.
Sonia Cooter, of campaign group No To Mill Road Tesco, said: I was gobsmacked when I read the letter. At best it is incompetence and at worst arrogance, and a total disregard to local planning policy.
A Tesco spokesman said the letter was sent in error, adding: Unfortunately, the people who deal with this project on a day-to-day basis were not contacted.
Many residents say the arrival of a Tesco shop will damage the character of Mill Road and hit existing traders.
