Tescopoly campaigner comes to Brighton
6 June 2008
Andrew Simms, from the New Economics Foundation and author of ‘Tescopoly – How one shop came out on top and why it matters’ is to speak at 'ANOTHER LONDON ROAD', a public meeting in Brighton.
The meeting - organised by Councillor Keith Taylor - will be at 7:30pm on Monday June 9th at the newly renovated Calvary Church, Viaduct Road, Brighton (next to the Fire Station).
The meeting is free and the venue is fully accessible, and people are recommended to arrive early to ensure a place.
A packed meeting of residents, traders and community representatives was held in May.
This followed the news that St James Investments were buying up properties in the London Road area on behalf of Tesco’s, with a view to a comprehensive redevelopment including a large retail outlet and car park.
Local Green councillor Keith Taylor (pictured left) said, “Residents spoke to me of their concerns over any major redevelopment of the northern end of London Road, especially one that attracted even more cars into the area.
"This will inevitably be the case if Tesco’s ever got permission to demolish and build here.”
“I heard that, while people acknowledged the area looks a bit run down, it remains popular – ‘one of the few bits of real Brighton left’ as one person put it.
"It needs investment, yes, but what residents were telling me is that what’s already there needs improving and not replacing.
"They also want to see significant environmental improvement and traffic reduction,” Keith explained.
Top of residents’ list of invitees for speakers was Andrew Simms. Andrew will talk about his book which looks at the way supermarkets work to dominate the retail and food production scene, swallowing up previously diverse town centres.
Particularly relevant to Brighton, Andrew will also explain he uncovered no fewer than 175 active local campaigns against supermarkets across the UK. Out of that number 138 were against Tescos. *
ANOTHER LONDON ROAD will also feature the latest news and developments and will discuss alternative regeneration strategies informed by Andrew’s nef work around ‘Clone Town Britain’
Keith concluded, “This is a vital meeting about an important part of Brighton – it’s simply too important a resource to squander away just for the sake of Tesco’s increasing their market share.
"I urge everyone who cares about the city to come along and help identify the best ways to reinvigorate the area for the benefit of the community."
Notes to editors:
Media: for more information please contact Lizzie Deane Green Party External Communications Coordinator on 07931 231390.1. * Figures as at the 12 months leading to Oct 2006
2. Copies of Tescopoly will be available for purchase at the meeting, courtesy of City Books
[ENDS]
