Swan and Sugar-loaf petition signed by 600
HUNDREDS of residents and traders have signed a petition urging a U-turn on plans to transform an historic pub into a Tesco store.
Close to 600 people have signed up to a campaign urging the Whitgift Foundation to pull out of its deal with the supermarket giant.
This would allow Tesco to open a convenience store at the site of the former Swan and Sugar-loaf pub in Brighton Road.
Members of the opposition campaign presented the petition at the Foundation's office on Tuesday.
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Opponents claim the proposals for the disused pub threaten the livelihoods of traders.
But the Foundation is telling the traders and residents that it has no option but to go for a deal with Tesco if it is to prevent the pub falling into further disrepair.
Teacher Charlotte Davies, of Temple Road, South Croydon, said after presenting the petition: "The shopkeepers are genuinely quite frightened about what will happen to them if Tesco opens.
"We have found that residents are fully behind them and people have just been coming in to the shops to sign the petition.
"We have not put any pressure on them at all."
But Ms Davies feared the protest may have little effect on the Foundation.
She said: "I am not optimistic because I am convinced the Foundation is not in touch with the community."
Giorgio Raffaelli, who owns the La Spezia delicatessen in Selsdon Road, said he was concerned for the future of his business, which he has built up steadily since it opened eight years ago.
He said: "We hope the Foundation will change its mind, but if we do not win we will have let them know there is a force here which is prepared to fight them."
The Foundation's reasons for backing the Tesco deal were outlined in a letter to Ms Davies from its marketing and communications manager, Catherine Shirley. She wrote: "The only interest generated to lease the commercial building was from supermarket chains and Tesco offered us the capacity and resource to restore the building back to its former glory."
The letter added: "Given that the building is of visual merit as well as being locally listed, Tesco are ensuring that the proposed works to renovate this building will be of a sympathetic nature to retain the building's character."
But Ms Davies said the livelihood of more than 20 people who own or work in small shops would be threatened by Tesco.
What do you think? Join the debate at www.thisiscroydon today.co.uk or e-mail newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk
Comments
by straighttalk3
Sunday, May 27 2012, 4:00PM
“I welcome the opening of Tesco. What a great shout! I do not see a reason why we should stop progress. There are currently no jobs in Croydon and our young people are struggling getting caught up on unprogressive endeavours. It will be good move for the south end of town which has seen a boom in restaurant business lately. Small independent businesses have a tendency to threat for nothing when in reality it is always just about themselves. They never grow to offer employment opportunities. I agree that we can not have a building turn into a ghost hall when Tesco are saying they willing to change it. Go for it TESCO!”
by Ivor_Shed
Tuesday, May 01 2012, 4:22PM
“What about this for an idea - Let Tesco refurbish the property and open their store.
Then, all of the people who don't want a Tesco there can boycott the store and the lack of customers will force Tesco to close down, but at least the fabric of the building will have been restored.
All it needs is for the majority opinion in the area to agree that they don't want a Tesco and it will work.
On the other hand - if local people find it really is a 'convenience' store then it will prosper.
Sounds a democratic way of solving the problem?”
by Jessofcroy
Tuesday, May 01 2012, 9:30AM
“Perhaps the 600 and readers of this page could suggest a suitable alternative. To me the important thing is to preserve our heritage. At the moment an empty building falling into disrepair is not fulfilling that wish. I would like to see an option that enhances the area, is financially viable, takes into account the transport and local needs.
Some ideas, convert to housing, new home for the David Lean Cinema, Art project for the Whitgift Foundation School (using their own resourses and students to refurbish and maintain the centre. Perhaps as a consortium funds could be raised.”
by Ivor_Shed
Saturday, April 28 2012, 8:17AM
“Times are changing and 'local shopkeepers' need to respond. They need to offer something that you can't get from a supermarket (don't ask me - I don't run a shop. This area is particularly difficult for parking and a popular shop like Tesco is going to make it worse as they will not be able to provide enough parking for their customers (and staff). However, it is a 'convenience' store which means a very limited range - but some meat, some veg and milk, bread, eggs etc to collect on the way home to cook a meal. Local shops should be able to supply the 'extras'.”
by DianaFrance
Friday, April 27 2012, 7:38AM
“I'm not sure which is worse -yet another Tesco's with unavoidable congestion, or a derelict pub. I would hate to see the Swan demolished (or destroyed by fire due to squatters), but I'd hate to see its Victorian splendour defaced and hidden behind chain-store livery.
That said, if there were just a few short-term parking spaces provided I might actually go to the Swan area, which is certainly worth a visit. When buying a TV recently from Richer Sounds I found a wonderful cafe - but it was so hard to find a parking space that I might be put off going there again.”
by Drakeknight
Thursday, April 26 2012, 6:19PM
“I doubt if you will stop this as Tesco are planning a TESCOVILLE world or Croydon anyway. Broadgreen, Gloster (Whitehorse rd) Southend (Leon House not more that 1/6 mile away) Purley, Looking at New Addington?
The Swan is a great LISTED BUILDING mentioned and pictured in main local archive as Croydons long lost classy past. Any way you look at it TESCO will rape the look, history, foundation of the building.
What is Whitgift foundation thinking of i think i am right in saying at one point the Whitgift Foundation with its history throughout Croydon would be the first to be upholder of Croydons past, at least tightly control any development there Please....
It is not all about spreadsheets and financial forecasts, get off the fence Whitgift Foundation and show your hand!!!!
DRAKEKNIGHT”
by mintypeaz
Wednesday, April 25 2012, 6:09PM
“`Whitgift Foundation is in clover with all the moolah from the burning of Reeves Corner, as they owned it!!”
by squired
Wednesday, April 25 2012, 10:37AM
“This is a tough one really. If no-one else is interested in leasing the building what exactly are they supposed to do?
If there was a Tesco in the Swan and Sugar-loaf building I'd probably use it. I would probably also use some of the surrounding stores as a result, whereas at the moment I rarely visit any of them. So, one could argue that certain shops could see an increase in business if a Tesco was to open.”
by AVENGER
Wednesday, April 25 2012, 8:45AM
“It really baffles me.
When tesco's opened in Portland Road,south norwood. The then District centre manager went to press stating ''She welcomed Tesco's to South Norwood,and the local shopkeeper will need to pull there socks up''
Very insulting,when you consider the local shoppkeepers have been serving the community for a good few years.
They have tried several times to open a new store in Woodside,already served by 2 superb small
business's.
Lets hope people power comes through,and stops the world being covered by ''TESCO''”