Tesco’s decision not to go ahead with a huge new store in Ely is unsurprising given the company’s current problems.
But Tesco’s decision should be good news for Ely’s city centre.
Rather than encouraging massive new stores on the edge of Ely, the councils should now focus on supporting the high street.
Research published last year by East Cambs Green Party showed the city centre has fewer independent shops and more chains than similar towns and is dominated by a narrow range of shops.
Allowing Tesco a huge new store would have risked dragging even more trade away from the high street.
We now have a chance for a new approach based on supporting a diverse and vibrant city centre.
Tesco’s decision to stay in its existing store must not, however, delay plans to improve access to the railway station as part of the proposed station gateway development.
Passenger numbers at Ely have risen more than 50 per cent in the last 10 years and pedestrian and cycle access need urgently to be improved.
ANDREW ALLEN
East Cambridgeshire Green Party
Via e-mail
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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