Say No to Tesco and Yes to Local Shops
News Release
For immediate release: 24th August 2006
Contact
Paul D'Ambra: 0775 197 1565
Ali Abbas: 0778 609 0520
Limited Resources [1], who provide a local and organic home delivery service, have agreed to provide discounted deliveries to Gorse Hill residents after learning of the proposed Stretford Tesco store.
Tesco is pushing to build a monster 88,000 square feet superstore on the playing fields next to Stretford leisure centre on the A56 despite local opposition from campaigners, residents and the council. Trafford Council have already said no to the store but Tesco have pushed the application to a Public Inquiry scheduled for the 26th September at Trafford town Hall.
Limited Resources are offering 25% off the first two orders from homes in Gorse Hill, Trafford. They said:
"We wanted to help show that providing retail to the people in Gorse Hill doesn't mean you need to build large stores."
Paul D'Ambra, Food campaigner with Manchester Friends of the Earth [2], said:
"It is excellent news that the residents in Gorse Hill have this opportunity to sample locally and organically produced food at a discount - most people who try 'Real Food' realise that even when what the supermarkets sell is cheaper it isn't necessarily better value for money.
That's because Local, Seasonal and Organic food is generally fresher so it tastes better and is more nutritious."
John Leech, Lib Dem MP for Manchester Withington said:
"I have objected to the planned superstore in Stretford because of the damaging effect it could have on the small independent shops in Chorlton, and also the increase traffic congestion that it could bring.
"Now I have challenged the Government to give greater importance to these sorts of issues when planning applications go in for large supermarkets."
Trafford council, who are firmly opposed to the scheme, have received over 2000 signatures on a petition opposing the store collected by Manchester Friends of the Earth [2], Unicorn Grocery [3], Action for Sustainable Living [4] and businesses and residents in Trafford. Opposition to the store has even been discussed in parliament.
Manchester Friends of the Earth are challenging Manchester and Salford planning departments to attend the public inquiry and justify their written objections to the scheme [5]. Despite all of this opposition Tesco continues to try to build this unnecessary store. Anyone wanting to find out more about 'Real Food' in Manchester can visit www.realfoodguide.org.uk [6] and find their nearest supplier.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
[1] Limited Resources is a Free home/business delivery service of over 1,000 organic products, including fresh fruit and veg, locally sourced where possible, and a growing range of fairly traded products.
Delivery area includes Greater Manchester and North Cheshire. The warehouse is open to the public but ring to confirm opening hours.
Unit 3, Brooks Street, Higher Hillgate, Stockport, SK1 3HS
Phone: 0161 477 2040
E-mail: info@limited-resources.co.uk
Web: www.limited-resources.co.uk
[2] Manchester Friends of the Earth is a prominent campaigns group, raising awareness and lobbying for policy changes at a local, regional, national and international level.
The group consists entirely of volunteers, and its campaigns are funded by membership fees and individual donations. Up-to-date information is available on its website: http://www.manchesterfoe.org.uk.
Manchester Friends of the Earth is part of a national network of local groups, affiliated to the national organisation (further information can be found at http://www.foe.co.uk).[3] Unicorn Grocery is a co-operatively run Organic and Vegan grocery store selling a wide range of GM-free, organic and locally-produced food and environmentally-friendly household products, specialising in dairy-free, gluten-free and sugar-free products.
Phone: 0161 861 0010
Web: www.unicorn-grocery.co.uk
[4] Action For Sustainable Living is a charity that helps people to live more sustainably. They offer a free in-home consultation service, focusing on simple changes that will make the world a better place to live in - for you and for your children.
They will also run activities in schools, co-ordinate local action groups or give talks to local groups.
Action for Sustainable Living currently operate in Chorlton, Whalley Range, Hulme and Old Trafford.
Phone: 0845 634 4510
E-Mail: info@afsl.org.uk
Web: www.afsl.org.uk
[5] Manchester and Salford Planning departments objected to the planning application for the Tesco store on this site but are not planning to attend the inquiry to present their case. Letters to Manchester and Salford planning officers calling on them to attend the inquiry are at http://www.manchesterfoe.org.uk/food/index.htm.
[6] The Real Food Guide is a directory of how and where to purchase local, organic, FairTrade, GM-Free, veggie or vegan food in and around Manchester.Phone: 0775 197 1565
E-Mail: info@realfoodguide.org.uk
Web : www.realfoodguide.org.uk