Smaller stores fear for future (From Free Press Series)

Smaller stores fear for future

TEN MONTHS since workmen arrived on site and the new Tesco store has completed its first week of trading.

Tesco came to Pontypool as part of a regeneration project to include other brand name stores, such as Wilkinson.

Since it began the scheme has caused some controversy, but as one of the first of these stores to start trading Tesco have been thrilled with their first week.

Store Manager Terry Mabey said: "The first week has been an astounding success and the feedback from customers has been fantastic. The local community seem to have given the store a real thumbs up."

The aisles are filling up with shoppers, but others in the town are critically watching the effect on their businesses.

Traders in Pontypool market have reacted angrily to Tesco, fearing that their business will suffer.

Paula Taylor from Ann's Fruit Basket said: "The store has effected us tremendously, our trade has gone down from the time they first started building."

She and fellow trader Cordelia Francis say their profits have fallen in a week and both put the problem down to parking problems.

Ms Francis said: "Since the store has opened our takings have been down 50 percent.

"There is already a parking problem and when this scheme is finished, there will be 340 new jobs created and where will everyone park?"

The town's taxi drivers have also felt the brunt of the new store, as the cabbies miss their rank at the old Tesco Metro.

Christopher Norris of Book-a-Cab, said he relies on the rank and that trade was suffering.

He said: "Now customers are having to book other firms, sometimes from Cwmbran, because there are no taxis outside waiting."

Bread Of Heaven caf owner Mark Gregory was reserving judgement.

He said: "It has been quiet this week but that could just be down to people's curiosity - we'll just have to wait and see," he said.

"We cannot wait for Crane Street to be finished," he added.

Director for the environment Andrew Fretter said: "The new Tesco is already providing a boost to Pontypool, however the major benefit will arise when the new Crane Street opens in October.

"We are monitoring car parking, but if we can bring more people to the town it's a fantastic thing."