CEN article: No-Tesco campaign entering the final stretch
CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for a Tesco store want residents to make their feelings clear to councillors.
Members of the No Mill Road Tesco campaign say most of the public back their bid to stop the supermarket giant opening an Express store on a street known for its independent shops.
On Saturday, campaigners walked from Cambridge’s Guildhall to the proposed site of the store, the former Wilco building on Mill Road, encouraging people to attend the crucial council meeting where the final decision on Tesco’s plans will be made.
Cambridge City Council planning officers have recommended to the east area planning committee that it approve the scheme when it meets at St Philip’s Church on Mill Road on Thursday at 7.30pm.
Sonia Cooter, co-ordinator of No Mill Road Tesco, acknowledged that some residents do want the store but believes that view is misguided.
She said: “People think this will be like the Tesco on Newmarket Road, but it will be a Tesco Express.
“The shopping basket comparison on our website is completely genuine. It shows that independent stores on Mill Road are cheaper.”
Ms Cooter believes a Tesco Express would end the Mill Road shopping experience known to generations of Cambridge residents.
She said: “The special character of Mill Road is all based around small, independent shops.
“If people want to have their say, they should contact their councillor and they should come to the planning committee meeting.”
