IN response to the Thame Centre First campaign against a proposed large supermarket on the outskirts of Thame, a group of residents in favour of the proposal have started a campaign of their own and have issued the following statement:
“Thame NEEDS Tesco – TNT, was formed to represent the views and opinions of people in the town who welcome the prospect of a Tesco supermarket on Howland Road. We are all local people living in and around Thame. Many of us have lived here most of our lives. We have no vested business interests or political ambitions. We represent a broad cross section of the Thame community; working people with young families, retired folk, young people keen to get a start in life.
“We care for Thame and are concerned about the future of the town as it faces changing times involving the building of hundreds of new homes.
We support the vibrant town centre with its mix of shops and services, but recognise that it does not meet the everyday shopping needs of many residents. We strongly believe that Thame needs another supermarket that can offer what is currently unavailable, or unaffordable, in the town centre. Many of us shop in big supermarkets in Aylesbury, Wheatley, Princes Risborough, Oxford or Bicester. But we’d prefer to spend our time and money in Tesco, in Thame.
“Wanting Tesco does not mean we do not support the town centre shops. We will continue to use them as we do at present if Tesco is built.
The argument that Tesco will affect town centre businesses carries little weight if the people who currently shop there continue to do so. And why would they change their habits when they already have the choice of shopping in other out-of-town supermarkets if they wished to?
“Thame is likely to have to cope with over 700 new homes in the next 10-15 years. Where will those new families do their shopping? The town centre is already congested with very limited parking; it certainly will not be able to cope with the predicted influx. If new homes are built, the town has a moral duty to provide the services needed to encourage owners to become part of the community. That includes adequate local supermarket choice. Forcing people to spend time and money in other towns will limit their involvement in, and appreciation of, the town they have chosen to live in.
As well as a much-needed choice of shopping, Tesco will bring new employment to the town. We are lucky to live in an area of low official unemployment, but the figures disguise the fact that new jobs would be very welcome among young people, parents with pre-school children, older people and those looking for part-time work. And let’s not forget that this is not just about a supermarket but also about providing other commercial employment on the site with DAF and or other businesses.
“In the weeks ahead we will continue to talk to people in Thame, seek their support for our campaign and represent their views to the town council, the district council and other parties involved in the decision making process. ”
Details of the supermarket’s plans can be seen on the SODC website, Planning Application P15/S1637/O where comments of support can be made.
TNT, like the Thame Centre First group, has set up an e-petition for supporters to sign: LINK HERE FOR PETITION
For more information about Tesco in Thame, Contact: thameneedstesco@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThameNeedsTesco
Information about the Thame Centre First campaign can be found on its website: LINK HERE
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