Following the announcement by Tesco at the start of March that they will no longer be building a store in Stirchley, local MP Steve McCabe and Councillor Mary Locke have been going door to door to ask Stirchley residents what they think should happen to the site in future.
They’ve already spoken to hundreds of residents who are angry and dismayed after putting up with all the disruption for so long. Steve and Mary are determined that local people should have their say in any future plans for the site.
Almost 40% of people consulted so far think the site should be used for mixed use development with provision for a public space and leisure facilities. Over 30% of people also thought the site could be used for affordable housing.
Lots of residents also asked why Lidl could not build their supermarket on the site so the Fitness First gym and the bowling alley on Pershore Road could be saved. This is something that Steve and Mary are following up with Tesco and Lidl.
Steve McCabe said:
“Now that Tesco have backed out it is really important we hear from Stirchley residents about what they want to see built on the site. Stirchley residents have got a raw deal over this as well as other planning decisions and it’s about time we saw some support for residents rather than developers. I’ll be meeting with Council Leader John Clancy to discuss these issues shortly.”
Cllr Mary Locke said:
“Stirchley residents are understandably concerned that after so many years Tesco have pulled out of building this store. Before any decisions are made about the site I want to hear from local people about what they want. So far people have told us that they think the site could be used for mixed use development but they are clear they don’t want it lying vacant for longer than necessary. This is just the start of our consultation, I’m continuing to listen and want to hear from as many Stirchley residents as possible.”
You can take part in Steve and Mary’s survey about the future of the Tesco site here
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