Determined residents are ready for a David and Goliath-style struggle against supermarket giant Tesco.
That was the message to representatives who attended a public exhibition of plans for a proposed store on the junction of Maldon Road and Drury Road, Colchester.
A steady stream of residents visited the exhibition in Christ Church Hall yesterday, where they were told details and shown plans for a 3,000 sq ft Tesco Express.
The application has been dogged by opposition since it was first lodged with Colchester Council in June.
Then, the proposal was withdrawn at the 11th hour after a flood of objections, but now a revised plan has been re-submitted to the council.
Shrub End road resident Clare Drane and her husband, Trevor Wayman, have led the campaign against the store, along with Sue Beard, owner of the S & K Premier convenience store, which is just 200 yards from the proposed Tesco site, formerly a car dealership.
"There is nothing here that convinces me that it is a suitable site," said Mrs Drane.
"I think most residents are determined to fight this. Everybody I have spoken to is still against it."
Carol Chandler, of Tesco, said it anticipated the store would bring in an annual turnover of £2 million, with an average of 40 shoppers an hour spending £5 each.
She said Tesco believed most customers would prefer to walk to the store, with the 18 parking spaces being used by passing motorists.
Mrs Beard, of S & K Premier, admitted she was concerned for the future and said she felt this was not fair competition.
Published Thursday October 31, 2002
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