FURIOUS neighbours say plans to open a new Tesco in a disused pub in Goring will “tear the heart” out of the village.
Shocked villagers fear dozens of family-owned businesses could go bust if the supermarket giant presses ahead with plans to open an Express store on the site of the former Queen’s Arms pub next year.
A banner now hangs on railings outside the former watering hole - a symbol of how the community has come together in a bid to block the proposed store.
Emrhys Barrell, who lives in Bridle Way, said: “An Express store here will tear the heart out of the village.
"We already have two mini-marts, two newsagents, a greengrocer, a delicatessen, a butchers, a baker and a post office plus a stationer, bank, art gallery and flooring shop.
"There is nothing that Tesco can offer that we do not already have, but if they open a store here their huge buying power will enable them to undercut the local shops and force them to close.
Mr Barrell said some stores in the village go out of their way to deliver groceries to frail pensioners and added: “The point that is also being made is that even the shops that Tesco don’t directly compete with, such as the hairdressers and hardware store, will suffer because people will no longer come into the centre of the village they will just by pass it.
“These are shops that have been in the village for over 40 years in some cases. These are family run, by owners who do much more for the community than just sell goods.”
The pub, in Reading Road, closed just over a month ago and campaigners say Tesco plans to hold a public meeting in the village hall on Wednesday.
Tesco spokeswoman Beth Greenhouse said: “We would like to open an Express store at the former Queen’s Arms pub. Our proposed store would offer a fantastic range of fresh groceries and convenience goods. We hope local people will find the store ideal for top up shopping in between a larger weekly shop. We plan to improve and restore the existing building and look forward to consulting with the community over our plans in the coming weeks.”
Sign the petition at www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/stoptescoingoring
Visit www.stoptescoingoring.org
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here