06 November 2009
The proposals, which will create 350 jobs, were approved with a majority of 11 to 8 at Monday’s city council planning meeting.
Councillors were divided about whether the new supermarket, which is due to open by spring 2011, will adversely affect
other businesses, especially in the town centre.
Morecambe and District Chamber of Trade strongly objected to the plan saying it would have a huge negative impact on town centre businesses.
But John Blackburn, of Lathom Avenue, said Sainsbury’s was exactly what the area needed.
He added: “We’ve got the chance for 350 new jobs – we can’t ignore it.”
Joe Try, regional development executive for Sainsbury’s said: “Our deal with Morecambe FC has allowed them to move to another site.”
Coun Anne Chapman wasn’t convinced that there was no space for the supermarket in the town centre, while Coun Roger Dennison said: “It’s difficult to see how there’s a lack of facility – there’s a Booths, Lidl, Co-op and Spar all in close proximity.”
Issues were raised with regards to accessing the site, with county highways stating the location of the entrance was “not ideal”.
Coun Bob Roe said: “I think that whatever they say, it’s going to cause gridlock in the area.”
The city council have asked Sainsbury’s to enter into an agreement which requires them to pay a fee of £595,232, which will be used for upgrades to transport, cycling and pedestrian facilities on routes to the new supermarket.
London, Nov 8(ANI): British supermarket giant Asda has risked sparking a racial backlash by closing its traditional fresh meat counter and replacing it with a halal only section.
The chain has decided to make the move at its large store on the Isle of Dogs in east London.
Following the decision, the Muslim customers will have a wider choice from the halal counter, while anyone wanting fresh pork chops or ham off the bone will have to go to the pre-packed meat section.
Asda has said that it was “responding to customer demand” and had done a deal with a local halal butcher to reflect the ethnic make up of the area’s population.
Several politicians have voiced their concern that the move could ignite racial tension in the borough.
“As the major supplier on the island, Asda should not be restricting choice,” The Sunday Express quoted Jim Fitzpatrick, local MP, as saying.
While, leader of the Tories on Tower Hamlets Council Peter Golds said the decision was “insensitive”.