‘Tesco should be welcomed’ to Thame

DEAR Editor,

Over the past few weeks we have seen the surrounding horizons of Thame changing for the ‘future’ with the commencement of the industrial development opposite DAF, Taylor Wimpey and Croudace Homes all building and changing the landscape of the perimeter of the town.

In addition we learn plans have now been submitted to SODC byTesco in a step forward for what will be a much needed additional resource for the town.  Much controversy surrounds this particular development in that it will affect the heart of Thame and the independent shops.

On reading the article on Thame News Net it is clear that it would be detrimental to Tesco themselves if they were to detract and take away the appeal  and tradition of Thame town centre and it is a point they recognise -allowing Tesco would actually enhance the centre by avoiding the roads being congested – it would allow people to enjoy the independent shops without the fear of having to constantly ‘watch out’ for traffic and actually assist in sustaining the towns vibrancy.  The proposed provision of a bus service indicates that Tesco are keen to maintain the link between the town centre and its proposed ‘out of town’ store making access to Thame itself more accessible – thus encouraging  those living in surrounding villages to come to here to shop.

Several ‘independents’ have closed over the past few months – it cannot be claimed that this is due to a ‘superstore’ which has not yet been built – looking at those individual shops, ie Isabellas Closet, Ella-Jane Gifts, Sweet Surrender, Freestyle Clothing – can it be honestly said that the type of goods they sold would have been under any threat from a store like Tesco – is it not more likely due to the possible high business rates charged by the Council – an issue highlighted by Thame Centre First who also recognise poor parking within the town – it certainly cannot be claimed that it is due to reduced footfall because of Tesco!

Some shops are displaying ‘Save Thame Town – say No to Tesco’ signs -without naming to cause discord, those shops are simply not selling goods or providing services that will be affected by another supermarket.  In fact these businesses would probably benefit with the right approach and promotion – it is all well and good jumping on the band wagon ‘stop Tesco’ for fear of loss of business but effort needs to be made by these individual shops to promote and further appeal  to new custom drawn to the town, not only by Tesco but for those 600+ new families who will be moving to the area.

It is claimed in the article on TNN that the impact and loss of an estimated £10M could be suffered by businesses in the town– I would ask whether that £10M would be lost from the ‘independents’ alone or whether in fact it includes the current supermarkets who are afraid of competition but in the meantime provide lack of provision nor cater for the full needs for a large percentage of the towns people.

Tesco should be WELCOMED as an enhancement and addition to the town and looked upon as an important part of the overall infrastructure to support its growing population along with the need for expanding schools and doctors surgeries – those against the proposal should possibly look at it with a less blinkered approach and be looking at the overall whole sustainability of the town as a thriving place for both business and local communities alike.

Rachel Lester
Thame