Margot welcomes redevelopment plans

Margot James welcomed the Tesco plans for the re-development of the Crown Centre. Margot said “Visually the plans are very attractive, I think the modern style proposed by Tesco will contrast well with the traditional architectural style of the nearby buildings and we have waited a long time for the regeneration of the Crown Centre and Bell Street Car park so it is not before time”

Margot went on to say “As a frequent shopper in the town I am concerned that we maintain a good balance of independent retailers alongside the supermarkets; it is a very good thing that Tesco will be in the Crown Centre and not out on Angel Passage, Tesco bringing shoppers in to the town centre rather than attracting them to the outside can only be good for the town, Tesco maintain that an amount equivalent to 20% of their takings will be spent in neighbouring retailers, it remains to be seen whether it will be as high as that but that should be our aim as a community.”

“Stourbridge has along with many other towns lost a number of retailers during the recession. But we still have a good selection of independent stores who are close to their customers and can respond quickly to changing demand. Those who do take a positive attitude to the challenge of having a Tesco on their doorstep by taking advantage of their ability to respond quickly to the changing needs of their customers might well find that their business improves long term”.

Margot is meeting Tesco representatives at the House of Commons next Wednesday. Anyone with issues they would like her to raise can e mail her at margot.james.mp@parliament.uk