Tesco 'villages' will kill our business, say angry traders

The new generation of stores will be on large sites with room for housing and other facilities as well as a supermarket.

But the proposals are dividing communities, with many residents and traders fearing local independent shops will be killed off.

Two of the new stores are planned for Bexleyheath and Welling, neighbouring suburbs in south-east London.

Details of the projects are yet to be revealed, but Tesco is holding three "workshops" for residents today and tomorrow to discuss plans for a 7.2-acre site at the eastern edge of Bexleyheath town centre.

The firm has leafleted homes, businesses and schools in the area and says both it and the Bexleyheath site's owner, St James's Investments, are keen to canvas local views.

But shopkeepers told the Evening Standard they did not believe their opinions would make any difference.

Bob Paxton, owner of British Meat Market in Broadway, said: "Tesco ride roughshod over councils and they get their own way. It's another nail in the coffin for a few more local shops.

"People might argue Tesco will bring people into Bexleyheath but it just brings people into their car park."

Eric Austin of E&C Fruitiers in Barnehurst said: "My previous shop in Gillingham shut down after Tesco moved in about 12 years ago and blighted the area.

"If it happens again it will have a snowball effect and all the small shops will close down.

"Customers aren't very loyal. They say, 'Don't close' but they just disappear. I've experienced it before and I know trade just vanishes but what can you do? It will happen no matter what you do.

"I won't bother going to the meeting but one of my staff is going because her house backs on to the site and she's really worried about parking and noise."

Mr Austin added: "It won't make a lot of difference. I don't know why they go through this process."

However, James Wiggam, Tesco's corporate affairs manager, said: "Other businesses that provide the right offer for their customers will do extremely well alongside a Tesco store.

"We are looking at redevelopment of part of the town centre, which we believe could be a big boost for Bexleyheath."

Mr Wiggam said the pagoda-style former Woolwich Building Society headquarters would be demolished to make way for a Tesco Extra store.

He continued: "We are looking at a mix of uses. The store and housing would be the focus but it may also include other facilities.

"A lot of sites we are developing in London now are like this - we want to make best use of the site."

In nearby Welling, Tesco plans to demolish its existing Metro store to build a bigger supermarket.

The owner of the site wants to put up residential units too, with work starting in summer.

Anderas Mueller, who owns BKM Minimarket nearby, said: "We will close. As soon as Tesco comes in we'll have had it. It's very sad."

To pre-register for a workshop or a business breakfast, call Tesco on 0800 977 8791.