Petition launched to stop supermarket giant opening in Datchet

Published 27 Aug 2009 09:00 30 Comments

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ANGRY residents desperate to stop a Tesco Express opening in their village are launching a petition.

The retail giant has revealed plans to open a new store on the former site of Mulligan's restaurant in Horton Road, Datchet.

Residents fear the supermarket will have a negative impact on the area increasing traffic and effecting trade in the village shops.

Robert Gathergood, who lives in the road, is putting together a leaflet to circulate to neighbours highlighting his concerns, urging others to come forward if they have similar worries and Vik Kaka, also of Horton Road, revealed plans to launch a petition.

However, due to the site already having consent for retail use a planning application is not required to be submitted to the council and residents fear they will have no power to stop the supermarket moving in.

Mr Gathergood said: "It is a fundamental change in use from a restaurant to a supermarket and there was no contact or consultation from Tesco. On their website it goes on about them listening to the local community, but there has been no contact with the neighbours.

"I am very deeply concerned about the effect on the additional local traffic, as well as the effect on local shops including our post office and chemist, in addition to the direct degradation of my own property and my neighbours."

Rumours about the possible new occupants of the site have been circulating the village in recent weeks and Tesco this week confirmed it wants to set up shop.

A spokeswoman said: "Yes, we have taken over the lease of a unit in Horton Road, which was formally a pub. Lots of people living in the immediate area are under serviced for community food stores.

"Express stores are normally opened from 6am to 11pm, so it wouldn't be operating later than a pub would."

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Roshani Perera
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Aug 27, 16:44
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I'm a resident of Horton, and as much as I am all for convenience, I think these sort of stores are starting take over small villages such as Datchet and Horton and completely redefining the landscape. I hope they maintaing the integrity of this beautiful village.

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anita
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Aug 27, 18:33
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I am a resident of Datchet and I only found out about this today I think it is a good idea as there are no real shops to get your grocery around here there are also lots of eldery people in the village that need grocerys and people with young families that would get more for their money I cant wait for it to open I would certainly shop there.

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anon
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Aug 28, 10:18
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I am a resident of Datchet and I only found out about this when they painted the boarding blue and red. I think it is a good idea as for years small shops have been able to exploit the elderly and people on low incomes by charging extortionate prices for items as they have had a monopoly.

They have made their money by overcharging and now they are moaning that the competition will put them out of business. I think that them going out of business is their own fault because when tesco's opens all their trade will go there because they have never encouraged customer loyalty in the community.

Good luck to Tesco's and an end to overcharging.

Hooray !!!!

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anon
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Aug 28, 10:19
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I am a resident of Datchet and I only found out about this when they painted the boarding blue and red. I think it is a good idea as for years small shops have been able to exploit the elderly and people on low incomes by charging extortionate prices for items as they have had a monopoly.

They have made their money by overcharging and now they are moaning that the competition will put them out of business. I think that them going out of business is their own fault because when tesco's opens all their trade will go there because they have never encouraged customer loyalty in the community.

Good luck to Tesco's and an end to overcharging.

Hooray !!!!

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barbara rees
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Aug 28, 12:13
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If Tesco were allowed to open in Datchet the heart of the village would disappear, shops would almost certainly close and become derelict. I think the pro 'Tesco in Datchet' people (if they really exist)are being a little shortsighted. The post office can't survive on stamps so you will lose your post office. Will Tesco deliver prescription drugs to the doorstep of our infirm as our present chemist does I think not. Will Tesco deliver newspapers to those who can't pop in to collect I doubt it. I'm all for supermarkets Tesco included in the right place but the middle of a village isn't it. The smaller Tesco shops sell a little of everything so we could lose post office, chemist, florist, deli, sweet shops and grocers and all that they encompass would be gone for ever. Those who can't get to supermarkets can still order by either internet or phone and have supplies delivered. A supermarket could even mean less people needing to travel to Windsor so our bus could again disappear. It would be an all round catastrophe.

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datchetdude
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Aug 28, 13:02
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Surinder offers credit where as Tesco's does not

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Non-baised observer
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Aug 28, 14:46
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You mean like when the CO-OP opened in Old Windsor? Oh wait the shops have improved alot!!

Fair play to the family and freinds for trying to save their jobs but its cheaper for the local people. End of!

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chip
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Aug 31, 15:54
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stop whingeing,i would prefer to see a brothel on the site

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Miguel Coelho
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Sep 3, 13:28
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This is the last straw!

'm going home to South Africa!!

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welsh dwarf
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Sep 3, 13:38
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This is fantastic news!

Clean sandwiches will make all the difference.

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Miguel Coelho
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Sep 4, 06:55
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Maybe they could add some petrol pumps and stop the ovecharging in the village....now there is food for thought!

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Miguel Coelho
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Sep 4, 10:32
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Hello, yes it's me again.

Does anyone know when it will open?

I can't wait to buy good lunches...no more Nibbles, goodbye John.....Tesco here I come!!

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Miguel Coelho
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Sep 4, 10:33
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Oh! I forgot to say, my friends Vipul and Oisin can't wait either.....

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Vipul Malhotra
Unregistered User
Sep 4, 11:48
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Miguel, please don't take my name in vain.

I have nothing but admiration for the high Health & Safety standards and food hygiene in all Datchet food selling outlets.

Plastic gloves used at all times food is touched, removed to take the money, hair covered with hats etc. etc,

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Horton road resident
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Sep 7, 09:22
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We've been resident near the proposed Tesco site for over 8 years. We've not 'anti-Tesco' per se (like many we use the Superstore in Slough), BUT we don't believe this site is at all appropriate for any branch of a major supermarket. Quite apart from the effect on local businesses, I can't believe supporters of this change of use have thought through the impact on noise and traffic (delivery vans, more passing cars etc). We understand Tesco argue there will be little difference in hours compared to the previous 'pub'; Mulligans never operated like a pub; it was more of a restaurant which meant traffic was lunchtime or evening meals; a very different traffic pattern to a 8-11 Tesco. We're shocked this change of use can occur without planning consent. Objectors need to make their views very clear to local councillors/our MP

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C Wright
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Sep 7, 17:22
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This retail superpower seems intent on building its stonghold by distroying local, independent businesses. But if it wasn't Tesco interested in moving into the neighbourhood it could have been the golden arches of McDonalds! Which is the lesser of two evils?

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Paula Woolmore
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Sep 7, 21:00
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All for cheaper prices within local area but more concerned about increase in traffic levels (both vehicle and foot), parking, litter, pollution, derelict sites where local shops will shut down and the overall ruination of the quaint Datchet village as we know it.

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Paula Woolmore
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Sep 7, 21:03
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All for cheaper prices within local area but more concerned about increase in traffic levels (both vehicle and foot), parking, litter, pollution, derelict sites where local shops will shut down and the overall ruination of the quaint Datchet village as we know it.

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Paula Woolmore
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Sep 8, 09:43
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All for cheaper prices within local area but more concerned about increase in traffic levels (both vehicle and foot), parking, litter, pollution, derelict sites where local shops will shut down and the overall ruination of the quaint Datchet village as we know it.

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Adam
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Oct 13, 23:44
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Tescos opening up in the area is fantastic news! It will make shopping so much easier and cheaper!

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Richard - Horton Rd
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Oct 22, 16:34
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Most locals I know do the bulk of their grocery shopping in Slough anyway. It's not going to be smack in the centre of the village either, so we shouldn't lose any of the beauty there. Tesco Expresses don't tend to have pharmacies, so our own pharmacy shouldn't be affected. Lots of towns and villages also have both a Post Office and a Tesco co-existing with their own separate client base.

The only business I think is at risk is Gable End Stores. While I'll miss Gable End, I won't miss the cars parked illegally in the road and the hooded kids that hang around outside it.

Here's to cheap convenience :)

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Datchet Woman
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Nov 28, 12:49
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I think it is a fantastic idea if Tesco opens, it is something which Datchet needs.Although small businesses may suffer I think it will make shopping cheaper and easier for locals.

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Wraysbury Villager
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Dec 20, 13:15
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We need a shop like Tesco in the local area. The other local shops are so expensive and anything cheaper is so far away - petrol is nay cheap!!

Can't wait!!

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Gala
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Dec 23, 21:01
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We cant wait the tesco to be there!!! Hopefully they will sell fresh bread and goods at reasonable prices, as the local shops are rather expensive & not much choice of the goods; other tesco/Waitrose are so far!

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villager
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Jan 22, 19:34
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i think having a Tesco express will be good, the corner shops are pricey and you can't always get what your looking for.. it won't cause traffic as much.. the most traffics caused is due to the trains.. so what do we get rid of that? furthermore we still have a village landscape. it is just a small Tesco which is more convenient then the corner shops, and i think it should happen.

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villageer
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Jan 22, 19:39
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it is good for the locals and elderly to buy all their food, as the corner shops don't always have everything. and Tesco's do give credit, last time i checked. everything in Datchet is so pricey and its about time we get everything cheaper and not have to drive/ bus it to slough for our groceries, except when buying in bulk that is.

Hurry and open soon :D

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******
Feb 8, 16:50
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cobb
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Feb 17, 12:55
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If Datchet had a selection of great local stores that served the community there would be no need for a tesco. The chemist and florist are good examples of well run and attractive local shops, and the POs serves a purpose and with its prime location will remain busy. The so called existing 'convenience stores' have not served the village well for many years - overpriced, dirty, poor stock, unfriendly staff - they will be the losers and have only themselves to blame for offering a poor imitation of a convenience store and not re-investing in their business. re-invent yourselves as a premium store and you may just survive, otherwise game over...

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David Pearson
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Feb 21, 11:52
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After living in Horton for 15 years I am pleased to finally see a decent food store in the local area. Last time I bought a loaf of bread in Datchet Post Ofice, 4 years ago, I couldnt believe the price then. Together with plenty of free parking and great access I am all for it. If it removes the illegal parking outside Gable End Stores then that will be an added benefit.

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John
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Feb 26, 11:09
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Gable End Stores now has Legal parking outside the shop. It stops maniacs from speeding down Horton road as kids often cross that road...

Tesco will undoubtedly result in the closure of every general store in Datchet. Some of you will take pleasure in this..I wonder why?..

Tesco is convinient, it has a huge car park, club card points, more choise, better fruit and veg. But theres 10 other Tescos in a 6 mile radius. Why not turn every store into a Tesco?? The perception of cheap prices is also incorrect. I urge you to do a price comparison with other local stores..

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Homlead road
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Feb 26, 11:12
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Tescos' do give credit?? Haha.. I was 30p short and was asked to put something back from my basket!

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