Thame Neighbourhood Plan and the Tesco proposals

To say that the arrival of Tesco will not affect town centre businesses is simply not true.  The Thame Neighbourhood Plan clearly states that;

“any major shopping outside the town centre would be likely to undermine the town’s vitality of the town centre shops.  This would be detrimental to the overall sustainability of the town and would be likely to reduce the accessibility and choice of services and facilities available to the community”.

 FACT:  a study in Fakenham, Norfolk found that town centre food retailers experienced a 64% decline in market share following the opening of an out of town supermarket. 

Furthermore, government policy on both a national and local level is focusing on the use of town centres for convenience shopping.  Therefore, if there is a need shown for an additional store, then this is exactly where it should be placed, to act as an “anchor” for the independent shops, just as the current supermarkets do.

Is should also be noted that many independent retailers also buy their supplies locally which obviously contributes to the wider local economy and also employment.

On the subject of employment, these supposed 200 jobs are likely to be part-time or on zero hours contracts and permanent, full-time positions would be lost in the town as a result of businesses closing or relocating, so no gain here!

What would happen to Thame Market if Tesco came to town?  This has been in existence since the 14^th Century and is one of the most successful markets in the South East of England, providing great variety and choice at a reasonable price.

If people really do ‘care’ about the town then help to preserve what is truly great about it ……. Its High Street!

Estate agents describe Thame as “a bustling market town” … let’s keep it that way and say “no thank you” to out of town shopping.

Kate Sherrington