The Council’s decision to prefer Tesco over Helical Retail in Stirchley is a complete disgrace. Council officers have refused to say how much was paid by Tesco to become the preferred developer and whether money was the only material consideration in making the decision.
The Co-op has served Stirchley well for over 130 years but that, apparently, meant nothing to the Tories and Lib Dems that are running this city. In recent years the Co-op has led the way in promoting Fairtrade products – and Birmingham is meant to be a Fairtrade city. Obviously in name only.
At the moment Tesco control 30% of the grocery market in the UK. This is close to the statutory definition of a monopoly. You would have thought that responsible political leaders would have blocked any further expansion of Tescos’ market share. Not in Birmingham it seems.
The proposals for the new Tesco store are likely to make Stirchley even more congested than it is at present. The Co-op site has the advantage of being easily accessible from Selly Oak and Selly Park. Tesco will always be the wrong side of a massive traffic jam. The implication in terms of rat-running in surrounding streets is going to be a nightmare.
The Helical proposal offered Stirchley a mixed retail development. If Tesco is built we will see a vicious price war in which it uses its inexhaustible reserves to force the Co-op out of business. Then it will be able to raise its prices as high as it wants.
There remains a question mark over Tesco’s proposals. They are also trying to build a store in Highgate. Perhaps the City Council should have taken that into consideration before selling its consent?
I for one, will never shop in the new Tesco if it ever built. I hope other local people will join me in the boycott.
